letters to gandhi - south african history online uploads /letters_to... · iii foreword mohandas k....

Letters to Gandhi

VoLume 1

(1889-1900)

Editors

tridip suhrud meGha todi

Kinnari Bhatt

NAVAJIVAN

Rupees Four Hundred

© Sabarmati Ashram Preservation and Memorial Trust, 2017

First Edition, April 2017

ISBN 978-81-7229-803-6

Printed and Published by Vivek Jitendra Desai

Navajivan Publishing House Ahmedabad – 380014

Phone: 079 27540635, 27542634 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.navajivantrust.org

POD 1.1 170415 110/120

iii

FOREWORD

Mohandas K. Gandhi’s own writings are well known to the world: through a series of books and anthologies under his name that appeared in his lifetime; and, more authoritatively and substantially, through the ninety-seven volumes of The Collected Works of Mahatma Gandhi, published between 1958 and 1994, and put together and lovingly edited by a team of scholars headed by K. Swaminathan and C. N. Patel.

These Collected Works are and will be a vital resource for present and future assessments of Gandhi the writer, Gandhi the political activist, Gandhi the social reformer, Gandhi the religious pluralist, Gandhi the prophet, Gandhi the food faddist, Gandhi the husband, father, and friend.

Although the CWMG is both impressive and indispensable, the series does have one limitation. It gathers together the letters, articles, speeches written or made by Gandhi. It occasionally refers to a letter written to Gandhi in the footnotes, and sometimes reproduces a few such letters in the volumes’ appendices. By and large, though, the CWMG presents a portrait of the world from the point of view of Gandhi himself.

The series of which this is the inaugural volume attempts to correct that bias. The largest collection of letters to Gandhi exists — in fact has long existed — in the archives of the Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad. A few scholars (myself included) have consulted segments of this collection on visits to Ahmedabad. But it has never before been made publicly available. Now, through an ambitious project directed by Tridip Suhrud, the ‘Inbox’, (as it were) of Gandhi’s correspondence is to be collated and published in a series of carefully annotated volumes.

When finished, this series will allow scholars and lay readers alike to have a many-sided portrait of Gandhi the man, the thinker, and the activist. For the letters or articles written by Gandhi make fuller sense only when seen in the context of the letters received by him.

Almost all of the three hundred letters in this first volume of the series pertain to the early years of Gandhi’s two-decade long stay in South Africa. Gandhi arrived in Durban

iv

in May 1893; the second letter in this volume dates from a year and a month later. The last letter is from December 1900.

One notable feature of this volume is the sheer range of Gandhi’s correspondence. Those who wrote to him belonged to different religions, social classes, countries and continents. From his earliest years as a lawyer and activist, Gandhi was in touch with Muslims, Hindus, Jews, Theosophists, Christians, and Parsis; with Gujaratis, Tamils, Anglo-Indians, and Europeans; with officials, merchants, lawyers, planters, and indentured labourers — these spread across Natal, the Transvaal, the Cape, India, and England.

A fair amount of this correspondence is professional, dealing with his legal practice.

Another chunk is political, namely, his dealings with the Governments of Natal and Transvaal about the treatment (or more often mistreatment) of the Indians in those two territories. The CWMG carries the other side of this correspondence; Gandhi’s own petitions and pleas with regard to racially discriminatory laws and practices. This volume contains the anxious appeals to Gandhi by his countrymen in South Africa, as well as the replies of the officials he wrote to; these variously brusque, curt, exasperated and unhelpful.

The correspondence featured here fleshes out a key incident narrated in Gandhi’s autobiography, the murderous attack on him by a white mob in Durban in 1897. So we have fascinating notes addressed to Gandhi by the white couple who saved his life on that occasion: the Police Superintendent of Durban, R. C. Alexander, and his wife Jane. Another letter, from a friend in England who read the reports of the assault and of Gandhi’s narrow escape, contains this moving and prophetic paragraph: ‘All honour that you should have received blows and bruises in the cause of humanity and righteousness. Socrates was poisoned with the Hemlock cup. … Reformers have ever been martyrs.’

The volume contains some important letters from a remarkable Indian Gandhi regarded as one of his mentors, Dadabhai Naoroji. A letter that must have especially pleased Gandhi came from the liberal reformer Mahadev Govind Ranade, who said he could not ‘sufficiently praise’ the young lawyer’s ‘devotion to this cause’ (of the Indians in South Africa).

Some letters deal with the working conditions of railway employees who were of Indian origin, on whose behalf Gandhi

v

interceded for the provision of regular wages, proper food, and leave for the observance of religious festivals. Other letters indicate that, as early as 1897, Gandhi was thinking of acquiring a printing press to bring out a journal advancing the Indian cause. (The project eventually fructified in June 1903, when the first issue of Indian Opinion was published).

Most of the letters deal with serious subjects. But there is the occasional flash of (albeit unconscious) humour, as in a letter from an European acquaintance, who wished to address the Natal Indian Congress on ‘The Moral Principle of the Temperance Movement’. The speaker asked Gandhi to ensure a good turn-out for his lecture, since ‘talking to an imaginary audience is a profitless undertaking, and mahogany chairs and teak wood benches are things upon which even the most eloquent speaker can make no impression.’

Although many of the letters are short and routine, others are longer and more substantial. They help provide a deeper and more nuanced understanding of Gandhi’s manifold activities and concerns in South Africa. And they also sometimes anticipate his later work in India.

Among the facts these letters reveal is the trust placed in Gandhi’s abilities and leadership qualities by a wide cross-section of Indians in South Africa. A printer in Verulam had mobilized a large number of plantation workers to come listen to Gandhi; hoping that ‘your presence will inspire’ them to join the campaign against discrimination. A Gujarati fish merchant in Cape Town writes to Gandhi that with him in charge, ‘the cause of the Indians is in good and able hands’. A set of moving letters from a Tamil indentured labourer, describing in detail the harsh treatment the labourer received at the hands of his white masters, appeals to Gandhi to use his ‘famous’ name to help and protect the persecuted victim.

The volume in your hands represents the first instalment of a major historical exercise of recovery and retrieval, one that will more fully flesh out the life and times of the greatest Indian of modern times. Students and scholars of Gandhi from across the world owe an enormous debt to the staff of the Sabarmati Ashram Archives for placing these letters in the public domain.

ramachandra Guha

vii

INTRODUCTION

The 97 volumes of The Collected Works of Mahatma Gandhi contain over 33,000 letters written by M. K. Gandhi. The editorial architecture of the CWMG does not permit the letters received by M. K. Gandhi to be incorporated in the series, except of course as some footnotes or as items in the appendices.

Several collections of M. K. Gandhi’s correspondence with others have been edited and published. His correspondence with Romain Rolland1, Jawaharlal Nehru2, Rabindranath Tagore3, Sarojini Naidu4, and Mirabehn5 [Madeleine Slade] have been published.

The archives of the Sabarmati Ashram Preservation and Memorial Trust contain approximately 8500 letters received and preserved by M. K. Gandhi.

The letters are principally in three languages (Gujarati, Hindi, English).

This project aspires to transcribe and publish these letters as “Letters to Gandhi.”

These volumes are intended to be read along with the CWMG. For this reason, where possible, a reference to M. K. Gandhi’s response contained in the CWMG is provided.

These volumes will be in three languages but, the series will not include translations of the letters in other two languages.

1 Romain Rolland and Gandhi Correspondence, (New Delhi: Publications Division, 1976).

2 Together They Fought: Gandhi-Nehru Correspondence (1921-1948), Edited by Uma Iyengar and Lalitha Zackariah, (New Delhi: Oxford University Press, 2011).

3 The Mahatma and The Poet: Letters and Debates between Gandhi and Tagore (1915-1941), Compiled and Edited with an introduction by Sabyasachi Bhattacharya, (New Delhi: National Book Trust, 1997).

4 The Mahatma and the Poetess: Being a selection of letters exchanged between Gandhiji and Sarojini Naidu, Compiled by E. S. Reddy, Edited by Mrinalini Sarabhai, (Bombay: Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, 1998).

5 Beloved Bapu: The Gandhi-Mirabehn Correspondence, Edited by Tridip Suhrud and Thomas Weber, (New Delhi: Orient BlackSwan, 2014).

viii

These letters, following the editorial architecture of the CWMG are presented in chronological order.

The first volume in the series contains letters from 1889-1900 and has 312 letters and 8 appendices.

The editors have taken every care to transcribe the letters faithfully and they are published here as in the original, with all variations in spellings and forms of address.

We are grateful to our colleagues Shyno Baby Paul, Hetal Rathod and Uma Gohil for their support and collaboration. Dina Patel has, as ever responded to our queries.

We thank the trustees of the Sabarmati Ashram Preservation and Memorial Trust for their support. We thank Vivek Desai, Apurva Ashar and Soham Patel of Navajivan.

Thomas Weber, Ramchandra Guha and E. S. Reddy have answered our queries, clarified our doubts, supported our endeavour and from true affection read and improved our transcriptions. Thank you Ram also for the foreword to the volume.

E. S. Reddy for long years has supported the archiving project of the Sabarmati Ashram with his deep and intimate knowledge. We dedicate this first publication of the newly established Archives and Research Centre of the Sabarmati Ashram to E. S. Reddy in friendship and fellowship.

Editors

ix

CONTENTS

forEword iii

introduction vii

1. lEttEr from l. lEitnEr (19-2-1889) 3 2. lEttEr from c. bird (29-6-1894) 4 3. answErs to a quEstionnairE from Edward ryly

(After 1-7-1894) 5 4. lEttEr from c. bird (2-7-1894) 6 5. lEttEr from c. bird (3-7-1894) 7 6. lEttEr from a. m. campbEll (4-7-1894) 8 7. lEttEr from c. bird (5-7-1894) 9 8. lEttEr from john p. symons (6-7-1894) 10 9. lEttEr from s. E. forstEr (11-7-1894) 10 10. lEttEr from c. bird (2-8-1894) 11 11. lEttEr from bEnjamin GrEEnacrE (28-11-1894) 12 12. lEttEr from j. jonEs (29-11-1894) 12 13. lEttEr from j. jonEs (29-11-1894) 13 14. lEttEr from p. davis & sons (29-11-1894) 14 15. lEttEr from c. h. pricE (6-12-1894) 15 16. lEttEr from camroodEEn m. syEd (15-12-1894) 15 17. lEttEr from EuGEnE rEnaud (27-12-1894) 16 18. lEttEr from thE officE of thE natal GovErnor

(28-1-1895) 16 19. fraGmEnt of a lEttEr (17-4-1895) 17 20. lEttEr from j. c. soupEn (4-5-1895) 17 21. lEttEr from mahomEd cassim camroodEEn (8-5-1895) 18 22. lEttEr from m. lEuchars (8-5-1895) 19 23. lEttEr from mahomEd cassim camroodEEn & co.

(15-5-1895) 20 24. lEttEr from mahomEd cassim camroodEEn & co.




(2-6-1895) 25 28. lEttEr from h. b. richards (11-6-1895) 26

x

29. lEttEr from thE indian committEE (23-6-1895) 27 30. lEttEr from a. m. campbEll (26-6-1895) 28 31. lEttEr from alfrEd wEbb (27-6-1895) 29 32. lEttEr from natal GovErnmEnt railways (1-7-1895) 29 33. lEttEr from c. bird, principal undEr sEcrEtary

(13-7-1895) 31 34. lEttEr from fazulbhai visram (19-7-1895) 31 35. lEttEr from conrad b. cookE (22-7-1895) 32 36. lEttEr from mahomEd cassim camroodEEn

(29-7-1895) 33 37. lEttEr from h. wElsh (29-7-1895) 37 38. a lEttEr (29-7-1895) 38 39. lEttEr from haji ojEr ally (2-8-1895) 38 40. lEttEr from balE and GrEEnE (5-8-1895) 42 41. lEttEr from c. bird (5-8-1895) 43 42. lEttEr from c. bird (10-8-1895) 44 43. lEttEr from sankaran nair (18-9-1895) 45 44. lEttEr from v. ramiah naidoo (4-10-1895) 46 45. lEttEr from madanjit vyavaharik (5-10-1895) 47 46. lEttEr from thE protEctor of immiGrants

(17-10-1895) 48 47. tElEGram from british indian dEfEncE committEE

(22-10-1895) 49 48. lEttEr from j. c. pillE (23-10-1895) 49 49. lEttEr from j. summErs (25-10-1895) 50 50. lEttEr from abdoor rahaman (27-10-1895) 51 51. lEttEr from british indian dEfEncE committEE

(2-11-1895) 52 52. lEttEr from bakErand lindsay (4-11-1895) 53 53. lEttEr from j. summErs (4-11-1895) 54 54. lEttEr from v. r. sammy (7-11-1895) 54 55. lEttEr from madurai (7-11-1895) 55 56. lEttEr from madurai (11-11-1895) 58 57. lEttEr from bakEr and lindsay (11-11-1895) 59 58. lEttEr from abdool Gani (13-11-1895) 59 59. lEttEr from Ebrahim khan (14-11-1895) 60 60. lEttEr from thE indian committEE (19-11-1895) 61 61. lEttEr from madurai (20-11-1895) 61 62. fraGmEnt of a lEttEr from bakEr and lindsay

(26-11-1895) 62 63. lEttEr from bryan GabriEl (November, 1895) 62

xi

64. lEttEr from c. bird (4-12-1895) 64 65. lEttEr from thE officE of thE attornEy GEnEral

(6-12-1895) 64 66. lEttEr from bryan GabriEl (6-12-1895) 65 67. lEttEr from c. bird (9-12-1895) 66 68. lEttEr from natal GovErnmEnt railways

(10-12-1895) 67 69. lEttEr from robErt shEmEld (17-12-1895) 67 70. lEttEr from harry EscombE (18-12-1895) 68 71. lEttEr from christophEr walsh (18-12-1895) 69 72. lEttEr from w. c. wilcox (27-12-1895) 69 73. lEttEr from h. l. mason (13-1-1896) 71 74. lEttEr from bakEr and lindsay (20-1-1896) 71 75. lEttEr from natal GovErnmEnt railways

(22-1-1896) 73 76. lEttEr from o. j. askEw (24-1-1896) 74 77. lEttEr from thE officE of thE town clErk

(1-2-1896) 75 78. lEttEr from o. j. askEw (1-2-1896) 76 79. lEttEr from o. j. askEw (6-2-1896) 77 80. lEttEr from hEadmastEr of boys’ modEl primary

school, durban (7-2-1896) 78 81. lEttEr from k. v. kharE (11-2-1896) 78 82. lEttEr from hEadmastEr of boys’ modEl primary

school (11-2-1896) 79 83. lEttEr from thE natal GovErnmEnt railways

(20-2-1896) 80 84. lEttEr from christophEr walsh (27-2-1896) 81 85. lEttEr from actinG sEcrEtary for zululand

(5-3-1896) 82 86. lEttEr from actinG sEcrEtary for zululand

(7-3-1896) 83 87. lEttEr from o. j. askEw (11-3-1896) 84 88. lEttEr from o. j. askEw (13-3-1896) 85 89. lEttEr from a. s. dorasamy pillay (13-3-1896) 86 90. lEttEr from GEorGE martin (18-3-1896) 86 91. lEttEr from n. cathcart nicholls (19-3-1896) 87 92. lEttEr from c. bird (20-3-1896) 88 93. lEttEr from actinG sEcrEtary for zululand

(21-3-1896) 89 94. lEttEr from GEorGE martin (21-3-1896) 90

xii

95. lEttEr from c. bird (25-3-1896) 90 96. lEttEr from c. bird (28-3-1896) 91 97. lEttEr from crown dansiE (30-3-1896) 92 98. lEttEr from c. bird (1-4-1896) 92 99. lEttEr from officE of ‘india’ (1-4-1896) 93 100. lEttEr from natal GovErnmEnt railways (7-4-1896) 94 101. lEttEr from o. j. askEw (9-4-1896) 95 102. lEttEr from william Edward pitchEr (11-4-1896) 95 103. lEttEr from william Edward pitchEr (15-4-1896) 96 104. lEttEr from william r. hindson (22-4-1896) 97 105. lEttEr from m. lEuchars (27-4-1896) 98 106. lEttEr from christophEr walsh, (28-4-1896) 98 107. lEttEr from william Edward pitchEr (29-4-1896) 99 108. lEttEr from G. j. housE (30-4-1896) 100 109. lEttEr from ministEr of lands and works, natal

(12-5-1896) 101 110. lEttEr from william wilson huntEr (13-5-1896) 101 111. lEttEr from c. bird, (16-5-1896) 103 112. lEttEr from f. a. lauGhton (16-5-1896) 103 113. lEttEr from f. a. lauGhton (18-5-1896) 104 114. lEttEr from f. a. lauGhton (18-5-1896) 104 115. lEttEr from G. j. housE (20-5-1896) 105 116. lEttEr from dadabhai naoroji (21-5-1896) 106 117. lEttEr from william wilson huntEr (22-5-1896) 107 118. lEttEr from c. bird (29-5-1896) 107 119. tElEGram from adamji and rustomji (5-6-1896) 108 120. lEttEr from c. bird (16-6-1896) 108 121. lEttEr from dadabhai naoroji (13-8-1896) 109 122. lEttEr from dadabhai naoroji (27-8-1896) 110 123. a lEttEr (27-10-1896) 111 124. lEttEr from parsEE dorabji bhicaji (25-11-1896) 112 125. lEttEr from a. d. lEwis (13-12-1896) 113 126. lEttEr from o. j. askEw (8-1-1897) 114 127. lEttEr from rich c. alExandEr (22-1-1897) 116 128. lEttEr from janE alExandEr (22-1-1897) 117 129. lEttEr from joosub m. h. Gool (23-1-1897) 118 130. a lEttEr (25-1-1897) 121 131. lEttEr from Edwin harrow (25-1-1897) 122 132. a lEttEr (29-1-1897) 126 133. lEttEr from j. m. adams (1-2-1897) 127 134. lEttEr from conynGham GrEEnE (1-2-1897) 128

xiii

135. lEttEr from david vindEn (6-2-1897) 128 136. lEttEr from m. ray (7-2-1897) 130 137. a lEttEr (7-2-1897) 132 138. lEttEr from w. j. irons (12-2-1897) 132 139. lEttEr from dadabhai naoroji (13-2-1897) 133 140. lEttEr from r. somasundaram (15-2-1897) 134 141. lEttEr from a. m. camEron (16-2-1897) 135 142. lEttEr from a. c. r. pillay (16-2-1897) 137 143. lEttEr from david vindEn (16-2-1897) 137 144. lEttEr from william wilson huntEr (22-2-1897) 138 145. lEttEr from w. j. irons (26-2-1897) 139 146. lEttEr from david vindEn (4-3-1897) 143 147. lEttEr from G. dEEn maharaj (5-3-1897) 144 148. lEttEr from david vindEn (8-3-1897) 145 149. lEttEr from a. m. camEron (8-3-1897) 146 150. lEttEr from david vindEn (15-3-1897) 147 151. lEttEr from conynGham GrEEnE (16-3-1897) 149 152. lEttEr from c. bird (18-3-1897) 149 153. lEttEr from c. bird (29-3-1897) 150 154. lEttEr from m. lEuchars (29-3-1897) 151 155. lEttEr from a. m. campbEll (30-3-1897) 151 156. lEttEr from c. bird (31-3-1897) 152 157. lEttEr from c. bird (3-4-1897) 153 158. lEttEr from sEcrEtary for zululand (6-4-1897) 154 159. lEttEr from c. bird (7-4-1897) 155 160. lEttEr from c. bird (8-4-1897) 155 161. lEttEr from david vindEn (8-4-1897) 156 162. lEttEr from anthony a. simon (6-5-1897) 156 163. lEttEr from william wilson huntEr (8-5-1897) 157 164. lEttEr from a. m. camEron (11-5-1897) 157 165. lEttEr from haji ojEr ally (20-5-1897) 158 166. lEttEr from w. j. irons (22-5-1897) 160 167. lEttEr from m. G. ranadE (23-5-1897) 164 168. fraGmEnt of a lEttEr from haji ojEr ally

(24-5-1897) 165 169. lEttEr from G. s. brownman (1-6-1897) 166 170. lEttEr from c. bird (3-6-1897) 167 171. lEttEr from natal GovErnmEnt railways (4-6-1897) 167 172. lEttEr from G. s. brownman (5-6-1897) 168 173. lEttEr from william GoolEy, town clErk

(18-6-1897) 169

xiv

174. lEttEr from a. jamEson (20-6-1897) 169 175. lEttEr from E. w. Gainsford (28-6-1897) 170 176. lEttEr from c. E. braun (9-7-1897) 171 177. lEttEr from c. bird (13-8-1897) 172 178. a lEttEr from a. m. camEron (26-8-1897) 172 179. lEttEr from c. bird (30-8-1897) 174 180. lEttEr from maGhoo indian (7-9-1897) 175 181. lEttEr from c. bird (8-9-1897) 176 182. lEttEr from a. m. camEron (9-9-1897) 176 183. lEttEr from c. bird (18-9-1897) 177 184. lEttEr from f. a. lauGhton (24-9-1897) 178 185. lEttEr from dadabhai naoroji (24-9-1897) 178 186. lEttEr from f. a. lauGhton (27-9-1897) 179 187. lEttEr from harry EscombE (28-9-1897) 179 188. lEttEr from c. bird (30-9-1897) 180 189. lEttEr from j. m. saundErs (1-10-1897) 180 190. lEttEr from john douGall (18-10-1897) 181 191. lEttEr from m. m. bhownaGGrEE (29-10-1897) 182 192. lEttEr from dEvi dayal (4-11-1897) 184 193. lEttEr from william Edward pitchEr (11-11-1897) 184 194. lEttEr from william Edward pitchEr (13-11-1897) 185 195. lEttEr from john douGall (16-11-1897) 186 196. lEttEr from c. bird (16-11-1897) 187 197. lEttEr from dadabhai naoroji (18-11-1897) 187 198. lEttEr from william Edward pitchEr (22-11-1897) 188 199. lEttEr from william Edward pitchEr (29-11-1897) 189 200. lEttEr from r. mard (30-11-1897) 189 201. lEttEr from william Edward pitchEr (30-11-1897) 190 202. lEttEr from william Edward pitchEr (1-12-1897) 190 203. lEttEr from m. m. bhownaGGrEE (2-12-1897) 191 204. lEttEr from l. m. naidoo (6-12-1897) 192 205. lEttEr from m. h. dombo (7-12-1897) 192 206. lEttEr from william Edward pitchEr (10-12-1897) 194 207. lEttEr from william Edward pitchEr (20-12-1897) 194 208. lEttEr from c. m. pillay (26-12-1897) 195 209. lEttEr from william GoolEy (2-4-1898) 196 210. fraGmEnt of a lEttEr from l. lionEl Goldsmid

(2-4-1898) 196 211. lEttEr from l. lionEl Goldsmid (2-4-1898) 197 212. lEttEr from ahmEd EffEndi (5-4-1898) 198 213. lEttEr from c. p. harvEy (14-4-1898) 199

xv

214. lEttEr from c. bird (26-5-1898) 200 215. lEttEr from c. bird (6-6-1898) 201 216. lEttEr from p. david huntEr (6-6-1898) 202 217. lEttEr from rahim k. khan (18-6-1898) 202 218. lEttEr from town clErk (18-6-1898) 204 219. lEttEr from c. bird (22-6-1898) 204 220. lEttEr from f. a. lauGhton (24-6-1898) 205 221. lEttEr from c. bird (30-6-1898) 206 222. lEttEr from c. bird (9-7-1898) 207 223. lEttEr from c. bird (20-7-1898) 208 224. lEttEr from c. bird (29-7-1898) 208 225. lEttEr from william wilson huntEr (12-9-1898) 209 226. lEttEr from dadabhai naoroji (16-9-1898) 210 227. lEttEr from w. n. hEndErson (10-10-1898) 211 228. lEttEr from william Edward pitchEr (4-11-1898) 211 229. lEttEr from p. E. robErts (20-12-1898) 212 230. lEttEr from w. b. morcom (23-12-1898) 212 231. lEttEr from jErEmiah lyon (23-12-1898) 213 232. lEttEr from p. o’hEa (23-12-1898) 214 233. lEttEr from f. a. lauGhton (24-12-1898) 215 234. lEttEr from dadabhai naoroji (30-12-1898) 216 235. lEttEr from rEnaud & robinson (31-12-1898) 217 236. lEttEr from c. a. dE. r. labistour (4-1-1899) 218 237. lEttEr from G. f. hErbErt (6-1-1899) 219 238. lEttEr from m. h. smith (10-1-1899) 220 239. lEttEr from Editor, kathiawar timEs (11-1-1899) 221 240. lEttEr from G. f. hErbErt (17-1-1899) 222 241. lEttEr from c. bird (7-2-1899) 223 242. lEttEr from inspEctor of nuisancEs’ officE

(9-2-1899) 224 243. lEttEr from c. bird (11-2-1899) 224 244. lEttEr from G. p. pillai (2-3-1899) 225 245. lEttEr from jErmiah lyon & co. (6-3-1899) 226 246. lEttEr from p. s. aiyar (7-3-1899) 227 247. lEttEr from G. a. dE roquEfEuil labistour

(16-3-1899) 228 248. lEttEr from mary G. davis (22-3-1899) 228 249. lEttEr from chhaGanlal motiram mukhtyar

(23-3-1899) 229 250. lEttEr from jErEmiah lyon & co. (24-3-1899) 230

xvi

251. lEttEr from G. a. dE roquEfEuil labistour (31-3-1899) 231

252. lEttEr from hathorn & co. (6-4-1899) 232 253. lEttEr from hathorn & co. (10-4-1899) 233 254. lEttEr from dadabhai naoroji (14-4-1899) 233 255. lEttEr from william GoolEy, town officE

(17-4-1899) 234 256. lEttEr from c. bird (20-5-1899) 235 257. lEttEr from c. bird (29-5-1899) 235 258. lEttEr from c. bird (13-6-1899) 238 259. lEttEr from c. bird (30-6-1899) 239 260. lEttEr from f. a. lauGhton (4-8-1899) 239 261. lEttEr from f. a. lauGhton (7-8-1899) 240 262. tElEGram from colonial sEcrEtary (9-9-1899) 241 263. tElEGram from colonial sEcrEtary (11-9-1899) 241 264. lEttEr from j. h. woolGar and f. w. robErts

(4-10-1899) 242 265. lEttEr from sydnEy E. joshua and w. palmEr

(18-10-1899) 243 266. lEttEr from c. bird (23-10-1899) 244 267. lEttEr from imamdin (9-11-1899) 245 268. lEttEr from a. buffEy (13-11-1899) 245 269. lEttEr from w. palmEr (13-11-1899) 247 270. lEttEr from f. a. lauGhton (22-11-1899) 248 271. lEttEr from j. s. donE (4-12-1899) 248 272. lEttEr from harry john (4-12-1899) 249 273. lEttEr from n. harishankEr (6-12-1899) 250 274. lEttEr from s. dorasamy moodlEy (7-12-1899) 250 275. lEttEr from lancElot parkEr booth

(Before 11-12-1899) 251 276. lEttEr from district EnGinEEr, p. w. dEpartmEnt

(29-12-1899) 251 277. lEttEr from r. E. bullEy (December, 1899) 252 278. lEttEr from “advErtisEr” (22-1-1900) 253 279. tElEGram from dhanjEE (5-2-1900) 253 280. lEttEr from cassam sulEiman ahmEd (16-2-1900) 254 281. tElEGram from supErintEndEnt, indian ambulancE

corps (21-2-1900) 254 282. lEttEr from f. a. lauGhton (21-2-1900) 255 283. lEttEr from manaGEr, african bankinG

corporation limitEd (22-2-1900) 255

xvii

284. lEttEr from hEnry balE (24-2-1900) 256 285. lEttEr from w. h. d. Goss (27-2-1900) 256 286. lEttEr from GilbErt nilkinson (27-2-1900) 257 287. tElEGram from supErintEndEnt, indian ambulancE

corps (28-2-1900) 258 288. lEttEr from auGustinE moonsamy (28-2-1900) 259 289. tElEGram from rahim k. khan (5-3-1900) 259 290. lEttEr from c. bird (12-3-1900) 260 291. lEttEr from f. a. lauGhton (22-3-1900) 261 292. tElEGram from kista (24-3-1900) 262 293. lEttEr from pErcy f. clarEncE (17-4-1900) 262 294. lEttEr from thE natal GovErnmEnt railways

(19-4-1900) 263 295. lEttEr from hErbErt kitchin (20-4-1900) 264 296. lEttEr from thE natal GovErnmEnt railways

(23-4-1900) 266 297. lEttEr from hErbErt kitchin (23-4-1900) 267 298. lEttEr from hErbErt kitchin (2-5-1900) 267 299. lEttEr from hErbErt kitchin (3-5-1900) 268 300. lEttEr from hErbErt kitchin (6-5-1900) 269 301. lEttEr from f. a. lauGhton (14-5-1900) 270 302. lEttEr from pErcy f. clarEncE (20-5-1900) 273 303. lEttEr from c. bird (23-5-1900) 273 304. lEttEr from c. bird (15-6-1900) 274 305. lEttEr from c. bird (22-6-1900) 275 306. lEttEr from chiEf EnGinEEr, p. w. d. (9-7-1900) 275 307. lEttEr from thE assistant protEctor of indian

immiGrants (13-7-1900) 276 308. lEttEr from thE protEctor of indian immiGrants

(23-7-1900) 277 309. lEttEr from c. bird (3-8-1900) 278 310. lEttEr from jEthalal m. parikh (8-10-1900) 278 311. lEttEr from karim bhayat (23-11-1900) 280 312. lEttEr from r. k. pathEr (10-12-1900) 281 appEndicEs

i list of mEmbErs of thE natal indian conGrEss (1895) 282

ii lEttEr from rich c. alExandEr (30-3-1897) 287 iii lEttEr from janE alExandEr (30-3-1897) 288 iv lEttEr from dEpartmEnt of policE (30-3-1897) 289 v loG book (28-1-1895 to 11-3-1898) 290

xviii

vi dEEd of salE by dharamsEy praGjEE (1-6-1899) 315 vii lEttEr from british consulatE (14-11-1899) 316 viii lEttEr from m. k. Gandhi (11-4-1900) 316 indEx 318 list of s.n. no.s 322

Letters to Gandhi

volumE i (1889–1900)

Letter From L. Leitner 3

1. LETTER FROM L. LEITNER

oriEntal institutE wokinG

[February 19, 1889]1

DEAR SIR,

Pandit Dhruva2 informs us of your arrival in England, which we were very glad to hear. Dr. Leitner3 has been obliged to leave England for a few weeks owing to ill health, but we expect him back about the middle of March, when I hope you will give us the pleasure of a call.

We have some papers of Pandit Dhruva which he wishes us to make over to you in order that you may get an estimate for their being printed at some cheap printer in London. Shall I send them to you under a registered cover? Hoping that you are in the enjoyment of good health and with kind regards.

I am your very faithfully, l. lEitnEr

4S.N. 6070

1 From the Sabarmati Ashram’s archival database entry and the year of Oriental Congress held at Stockholm, Sweden.

2 Dr. Harilal H. Dhruva (1856-1896), an intellectual from Gujarat, participated in the Oriental Congress of 1889 as a representative of the Maharaja Gaikwad.

3 Probably, Dr. G. W. Leitner author of the History of Indigenous Education in the Punjab.

4 S.N. stands for Sabarmati Nidhi. Each item contains a unique number.

4 Letters to Gandhi

2. LETTER FROM C. BIRD1, PrinciPal Under Secretary

piEtErmaritzburG June 29, 1894

SIR,

As requested by you I forward a copy of the Petition2 presented to the Prime Minister today.

I am, Sir,

Yours obediently, c. bird

principal undEr sEcrEtary

mr. m. k. Gandhi durban

S.N. 103

1 Christopher John Bird or Kit Bird, Private Secretary to the Colonial Secretary, Transvaal.

2 Refer, “Petition to the Natal Legislative Assembly”, The Collected Works of Mahatma Gandhi (Henceforth, CWMG) Vol. 1, pp. 128-132.

Answers To a Questionnaire from Edward Ryly 5

3. ANSWERS TO A QUESTIONNAIRE FROM EDWARD RYLY 1

[After July 1, 1894]Questions Reply

Yes/NoRemarks

1. Do you conscientiously say that the Franchise Law Amendment Bill is a strictly just measure without needing any modification or change? 2 No

2. Do you think it just that those Indians who have not been able from some cause or other to have their names on the Voters’ List, should ever be debarred from voting at the Parliamentary elections, no matter how capable they may be, or what interests they may have in the Colony? No

3. Do you really believe that no Indian British subject can ever acquire sufficient attainments for the purpose of becoming a full citizen of the Colony, or of voting? No

4. Do you think it just that a man should not become a Voter simply because he is of “Asiatic extraction?” No

5. Do you wish the Indentured Indian who comes and settles in the Colony to remain in the state of semi-slavery and ignorance for ever, unless he chooses to go back to India? No

Edward ryly

S.N. 127

1 Refer, “A Circular Letter to Legislatures”, CWMG Vol. 1, pp. 135-136. M. K. Gandhi had sent this questionnaire to the members of the Legislative Council and the Legislative Assembly on July 1, 1894.

2 Italics in the original

6 Letters to Gandhi

4. LETTER FROM C. BIRD, PrinciPal Under Secretary

colonial sEcrEtary’s officE piEtErmaritzburG

natalJuly 2, 1894

SIR,

In answer to your letter of yesterday’s date1, I have to state that it is not necessary that a petition to the Home Government should be printed. Under the Colonial Office Rules and Regulations communications for the Secretary of State must be forwarded unsealed and in triplicate to the Governor with a request that it may be forwarded in due course.

Your letter to the Governor should be forwarded under cover to the Colonial Secretary who will, of course, have to make a report for His Excellency’s information.2

I am Sir,



[p. s.]It is usual to accept documents in duplicate if there is a

difficulty in forwarding them in triplicate.

to mr. m. k. Gandhi box 253 durban

S.N. 104

1 This letter is not available. 2 Refer, “A Circular Letter to Legislators”, CWMG Vol. 1, pp. 135-136.

Letter from C. Bird, Principal Under Secretary 7


3231/1894colonial sEcrEtary’s officE

piEtErmaritzburG natal

July 3, 1894SIR,

With reference to the letter1 presented to the Prime Minister by the Deputation which waited at this office on the 29th ultimo I am to request that you will be good enough to inform the members of the Deputation that the representations contained in their letter have received the due consideration of the Government.

I am, Sir,

Your obedient servant, c. bird


mr. m. k. Gandhi box 253 durban

S.N. 105

1 Refer, “Deputation to Natal Premier”, CWMG Vol. 1, pp. 133-135.

8 Letters to Gandhi

6. LETTER FROM A. M. CAMPBELL

lEGislativE council piEtErmaritzburG

natal July 4, 1894

mr. m. k. Gandhi rEprEsEntinG mEmbErs of thE indian community durban

SIR,

I received your letter1 dated 4/7/94 by post here this morning enclosing a Petition to the Legislative Council2; in accordance with your desire I presented the Petition at a sitting of the Council this morning, and moved that it be read, after it was read by the clerk at the table of the Council.

“The Hon. the Treasurer enquired of the Honourable the President is this Petition in order seeing in the first place that it refers to and has attached certain annexures which are prohibited under the Rules? But apart from the annexures is not the Petition irregular in making references to another House of Parliament all the way through the Petition refers to matters that have occurred in the other House with whose proceedings we are supposed to have nothing to do. I believe that it is not in order to attempt to influence this House by any reference to the other; nor is it in order to attempt to influence the other House by any references to this House. I think the Petition is decidedly irregular and out of order; and I should like to have your ruling. Mr. President upon the point.”

The Honourable the President ruled: — “The Petition appears to me to be out of order and irregular, both on account of the annexures to which it alludes, and which are attached and also on account of the references to the other House. The Petitioners must address the Council independently in any Petition presented by them without making references to the proceedings of the other House of Parliament.”

The petition was therefore not received, and I herewith return it to you.

1 This letter is not available.2 Refer, “Petition to Natal Legislative Council”, CWMG Vol. 1, pp. 138-139.


On above decision being arrived at I wired to Hajee Mahomed Hajee Dada1. “Petition presented Council ruled it not in order posting it to you tonight.” Shortly thereafter I received your wire reading “Petition forwarded last evening please wire when it will be presented. Reply prepaid One Shilling” to which I wired you in reply “Petition presented but ruled not in order.” The objections raised and the ruling of the President quoted above shows clearly the grounds of refusal.

I am, a. m. campbEll

S.N. 112



natalJuly 5, 1894

SIR,

Replying to your enquiry of yesterday2, I have to state that there is no rule preventing the transmission to the Home Government of a printed petition. The original copy only need be signed, but the other copies should have the signatures copied on them so that the record may be preserved.

I am, Sir,



S.N. 113

1 Vice-President of the Natal Indian Congress, 1894-1899.2 This letter is not available.

10 Letters to Gandhi

8. LETTER FROM JOHN P. SYMONS 1

maritzburG July 6, 1894


SIR,

I cannot discuss the question without giving more time than I have at my disposal now. If you wish to understand the problems I would refer you to the discussion that took place in Durban at the time Indians were first placed on the voters roll, now some years since. These will instruct you more than any abstract discussion at the present time.

I remain, Yours faithfully,

john p. symons

S.N. 125

9. LETTER FROM S. E. FORSTER, Private Secretary, the natal Governor

GovErnmEnt housE, piEtErmaritzburG

natalJuly 11, 1894

GENTLEMEN,

Referring to the petition which you presented to the Governor on the afternoon of the 3rd instant2, praying His Excellency not to assent to the Franchise Amendment Bill, I am directed by the Governor to inform you that he does not feel justified in complying with your request.

The points raised by you have been fully considered by the Government, and the Bill, which has been unanimously passed

1 Member of Natal Parliament.2 Refer, “Deputation to Natal Governor”, CWMG Vol. 1, pp. 136-137. The

Natal Governor was Sir Walter Francis Hely-Hutchinson, K.C.M.G.


by both Houses of Parliament, is considered indispensable to the interests of the Colony.

Ministers have advised the Governor to assent to the Bill, which contains a suspending clause the Governor has felt bound to act on their advice in the matter.

I have the honour to be Gentlemen,

Your obedient servant, s. E. forstEr

privatE sEcrEtary

mr. m. k. Gandhi, and othErs. durban

S.N. 131




August 2, 1894SIR,

I have the honour to inform you that the Petition1 which has been submitted on behalf of the Indians in this Colony on the subject of the Franchise Law Amendment Act has been forwarded by His Excellency, the Governor to the Right Honourable Secretary of State for the Colonies.

I have the honour to be, Sir,




S.N. 137

1 Refer, “Petition to Lord Ripon”, CWMG Vol. 1, pp. 147-148.


11. LETTER FROM BENJAMIN GREENACRE1

harvEy, GrEEnacrE & co., mErchants, durban & london

wEst strEEt durban natal

November 28, 1894m. k. Gandhi Esq. durban

DEAR SIR,

In reply to yours of yesterday 2 as mentioned I will be glad to meet an Indian deputation tomorrow morning at my office at 10 o’clock if that time is convenient to the members of the deputation.

Yours sincerely, b. GrEEnacrE

S.N. 183

12. LETTER FROM J. JONES

robinson, vausE & co. natal mErcury

durbanNovember 29, 1894

to mr. Gandhi,

DEAR SIR,

The cost of printing 1000 copies of “Open Letter” 3 in small Pica and made up to Demy 8 No. measure on paper as sample sent herewith would be £ 6 net (Six pound sterling).

Awaiting your commands.Yours,

r. v. & co. pEr j. jonEs

S.N. 186

1 One of the candidates for Durban Borough’s four Assembly seats.2 This letter is not available.3 Refer, “Open Letter”, CWMG Vol. 1, pp 170-188.

Letter from J. Jones 13

13. LETTER FROM J. JONES

robinson, vausE & co. natal mErcury


to mr. Gandhi,

DEAR SIR,

Thanks for order. We will do it on a fairly good printing paper. We shall be pleased to give you proof sheets for revision.1

Yours, j. jonEs pEr r. v. & co.

S.N. 187

1 Refer, S.N. 186 “Letter from J. Jones” (29-11-1894), p. 12 and also “Open Letter”, CWMG, Vol. 1, pp. 170–188.


14. LETTER FROM P. DAVIS & SONS

p. davis & sons1 durban maritzburG natal tElEGraphic addrEss: davis, durban

wEst strEEt durban

natalNovember 29, 1894

p. E. coakEs2 Esq., solicitor

Our price for printing would be as follows:250 4to Circulars p.p. 14 …3 1000, copies pamphlet4 e.e.p.p.

Demy 8 No. well printed row good paper with cover. Twelve Pounds Ten Shillings (£ 12. 10. 0).

Yours faithfully, prop. p. davis & sons

Sd.

S.N. 188

1 Printers and Publishers of The Natal Witness, The Natal Mercantile Advertiser, The Natal Government Gazette and The Natal Almanack & Directory. Government Printers and Contractors; Lithographers, Book-binders & Relief Instrument Importers; Dealers in Artistic Materials, Fancy & Leather Goods; Lawn Tennis and Cricket Goods; School Requisites; New Books, Magazines & Newspapers received by each Mail Steamer.

2 According to Sabarmati Asharam’s archival database this letter is addressed to M. K. Gandhi who was then the legal partner of Percy Evans Coakes.

3 Damaged in the source.4 Probably, the “Open Letter’, CWMG Vol. 1, pp. 170-188.

Letter from Camroodeen M. Syed 15

15. LETTER FROM C. H. PRICE

court housEDecember 6, 1894

dEar mr. GanttE1,You may set me down for a Lecture — “The Moral Principle of

The Temperance Movement,” at the meeting of the Congress, either on Friday next or on the following Friday 21st instant: — provided of course that you have no greater attraction or no more suitable entertainment in view.

I would however like to stipulate for one thing. Talking to an imaginary audience is a profitless undertaking, and Mahogany chairs & teak wood benches are things upon which even the most eloquent speaker can make no impression. If therefore you can ensure a good audience I will guarantee them a profitable evening’s entertainment.

Please favour me with an expression of good wishes as early as you can so as to enable me to alter my existing engagements on either of those two evenings. A letter left with Mr. Paul or Mr. James will find me.

Yours sincerely, c. h. pricE

S.N. 192

16. LETTER FROM CAMROODEEN M. SYEDDecember 15, 1894

mr. m. k. Gandhi Esq. durban

DEAR SIR,

I beg to acknowledge with many thanks your cheque for £ 5-13-11 ½ being 25% of expenses in the official case.

Will you kindly convey my thanks to the Congress.I am Sir,

Yours obediently, camroodEEn m. syEd

S.N. 199

1 As in the source.


17. LETTER FROM EUGENE RENAUD1

african bankinG corporation buildinGsDecember 27, 1894

E. rEnaud advocatE p. o. box 69 durban

m. k. Gandhi Esq., durban

DEAR SIR,

I have received your favour with very much pleasure and am sorry that I have not leisure enough to dwell at length upon a matter of such moment.

I must say that I sympathize with you in the philanthropic task you have undertaken and cordially trust your efforts will be crowned with success.

I remain, Dear sir,

Yours faithfully, EuGEnE rEnaud

S.N. 205

18. LETTER FROM THE OFFICE OF THE NATAL GOVERNOR

GovErnmEnt housE natal

January 28, 1895The Private Secretary is desired by His Excellency the

Governor to acknowledge the receipt of Mr. Gandhi’s pamphlet2.S.N. 233

1 A Mauritian, Middle Temple barrister specialized in Indian criminal cases and one of the partners of Renaud & Robinson’s Law firm.

2 The pamphlet refers to “Open Letter”, CWMG Vol. 1, pp. 170-188.

Letter From J. C. Soupen 17

19. FRAGMENT OF A LETTER

wEslEyan mission housE durban

April 17, 1895DEAR MR. GANDHI,

I find in going over my own letter file that I have not acknowledged receipt of your pamphlet1 on the position & prospects of the Indians in Natal. You certainly make the very best of the case for them &2 plead earnestly. Well I with much in your letter I have great sympathy. Without at all entering into the question as to whether it were better or not that they had been introduced, we are face to face with the fact that …3

S.N. 296

20. LETTER FROM J. C. SOUPEN

durbanMay 4, 1895

m. k. Gandhi Esq., prEsidEnt n. i. co. ass.

DEAR SIR,

You would greatly oblige me by supplying me with a fresh amount of train fare, since the last allowance has been exhausted.

I remain, Yours very gratefully,

j. c. soupEn

S.N. 3578

1 Pamphlet refers to “Open Letter”, CWMG Vol. 1, pp. 170-188.2 Ampersand (&) has been retained in case used in the original.3 As in the source.


21. LETTER FROM MAHOMED CASSIM CAMROODEEN 1

mahomEd cassim camroodEEn & co. GEnEral mErchants and importErs

johannEsburG p. o. box 299

May 8, 1895

m. k. Gandhi Esq., durban, natal

GENTLEMAN,

Your wire came to hand yesterday late2, we take the opportunity of stating that we have wired you this morning £ 40 through our Durban firm, no doubt you should have received it. We are very sorry that we have none in hand Committee funds more than £ 40. Please send thirty to the British Committee & ten pounds for printing, which we think might be sufficient but if the money sent is not enough, please write, we shall try & send more.

Our Community is not strong as it was when you left, money has not been refunded yet, either no signature has come in we shall do our best to get all the signatures & money as quick as possible, when you are requiring signatures, you may inform us, same will be departed. Herewith your Doctor certificates enclosed,3 owing to the Doctor’s absence certificates could not be altered.

Yours faithfully, mahomEd cassim camroodEEn & co.

S.N. 3579

1 A trader in Pietermaritzburg, partner and manager of the firm of Mahomed Cassim Camroodeen in Johannesburg.

2 This is not available.3 This is not available.

Letter from M. Leuchars 19

22. LETTER FROM M. LEUCHARS 1

lEGislativE assEmbly natal

May 8, 1895


DEAR SIR,

I have to acknowledge receipt of your favour of yesterday’s date2, covering petition from leading Indians in the Colony for presentation to the Legislative Assembly. By reason of my delaying to send to the post office for this registered parcel, it reached me just too late to present at this day’s morning sitting, and it cannot therefore be presented till tomorrow.

I succeeded however in securing the …3 of the progress of the Bill in question through committee in order. He gave time for consideration of the Petition — which will no doubt receive due consideration at the hands of the Committee to whom the consideration of the Bill will probably be relegated.

I may say in the meantime that I can scarcely express full sympathy with the contentions of the petitioners. I see no ground for complain on the part of present Indians residents in the Colony, and as regards future Indian Immigrants, the conditions of their engagement will be made clear to them before they leave their native country and therefore they can have no grievance.

Yours very truly, m. lEuchars

S.N. 321

1 M. Leuchars, member of the Durban Borough.2 This letter is not available.3 Damaged in the source.


23. LETTER FROM MAHOMED CASSIM CAMROODEEN & CO.

mahomEd cassim camroodEEn & co. GEnEral mErchants and importErs markEt squarE and prEsidEnt strEEt


May 15, 1895


GENTLEMAN,

We have received your esteemed favour dated the 11th instant1 and have obtained European signatures 1300 & that of the …2 235 all having been sent to Pretoria, we expect to have some more within this week. We don’t know how many signatures the Pretoria Committee have collected but we have every hope that signatures will be sufficient to present to the President.

Sufficient to present to the President.… papers given away for Indian signatures has not … in

… we have request them to hand in all on Sunday.Unfortunately we … sorry of not meeting your suggestion

as to the fifty pound, we shall ask the Committee on Sunday to send ten pounds more, some will be sent without delay.

Yours faithfully, prop. mahomEd cassim camroodEEn & co.

abdoor rahman

S.N. 3580

1 This letter is not available.2 Damaged in the source.

Letter from Mahomed Cassim Camroodeen & Co. 21


johannEsburGMay 20, 1895


SIR,

Your wire received.We have dispatched you today mail Indian signatures by

registered C/o M. C. Camroodeen, no doubt, you will receive it containing all 645 signatures.

Money will be sent by wire. We have again sent today European signatures & Dutch about fifty each to Pretoria. You will therefore communicate there if you require any information as to the European signatures.

Yours faithfully, prop. m. c. camroodEEn & co.

abdoor rahman

[p. s.]Please send us your address.

S.N. 3581





May 25, 1895

mr. m. k. Gandhi Esq., durban, natal

DEAR SIR,

We have received your wire1. We have to inform you that notice has been given to all the Hawkers verbal[ly] up to date the shopkeepers have not received any warning, but only the Hawkers who reside in has received verbal notice from the sanitary inspector’s to the effect that they must leave the town on the 1st proximo, but no written notice having been served, but they are trying to get the Hawkers first out, afterwards perhaps they may also remove the shop keepers. Of course, if the Hawkers, etc will move to the Location they will also remove the store keepers without any difficulty. We have warned all these people not to leave the town or move to the location. In the present time we cannot see the British Counsel as Mr. Abdool Gani2 has gone to Heidelberg.

You know on the 22nd instant Reuter has announced from London, that Mr. Arnold Foster3 asked the Under Colonial Secretary in the House of Commons as to the right of the British Indian in the Transvaal, in reply Mr. Buxture said that the question is too complex a character to be comprised in an ordinary answer but he will present the paper on the subject. You are informed that we have sent today a cablegram to Mr. Arnold Foster

1 This wire is not available.2 Chairman of the British Indian Association in the Transvaal, Partner and

Manager of the firm of Mahomed Cassim Camroodeen — the Principal Indian firm in South Africa.

3 H. O. Arnold-Forster (1855-1909) a British politician and a writer.


herewith enclosed copy, we do not think it necessary to cable to Lord Ripon as we think the cables already sent is sufficient.

Up to date we don’t know what the Indian Committee of Pretoria are doing, where we have sent them all the Europeans & Dutch signatures they have not sent an answer whether they have received same or not. Here in Johannesburg we are doing our utmost of collecting funds etc. our committee so far is going fairly well.

Please inform us whether you have finished printing the Petition which was to be sent to Lord Ripon on our behalf, if so, please send us some copies.

We have made some inquiry as to what authority did the Sanitary Inspector issued the notice, we have find [sic] that Govt. has now approved the regulations to remove the Indians to locations but some say that the notice applies only to the Low class of Indians

Awaiting your reply.Yours faithfully,

prop. m. c. camroodEEn & co. abdoor rahman

S.N. 3582




May 27, 1895

mr. m. k. Gandhi durban natal

DEAR SIR,

Your wire received1 and has been laid before the committee, who thanks for your advice and nevertheless we have no intention to move as we intend to face this case to the High Court.

1 This wire is not available.


Committee has appointed delegates to go over to Pretoria, to have a conference with Mr. …1 an eminent Barrister of that Town to defend our case before the tribunal of the State, and also in the British Counsel there. Below I write you a Resolution passed by the Executive Council on the 9th May which appeared in the Govt. Gazette as follows.

On and after the date of publication of these regulations in The Staatscourant 2 all natives and coloured people included Indians, Arabs and Asiatics within the Jurisdiction of the sanitary board at Johannesburg must reside in such locations or places as from time to time may be set aside for this purpose by the Government. Such is the notice appeared in the Government Gazette. We have already explained how matters stand. Copy petition has been received. Kindly send us some copies of the Viceroy Petition as well as the Petition already received.

Our Mr. Abdool Gani is back from Heidelberg.

Yours faithfully, prop. m. c. camroodEEn & co.

abdoor rahman

S.N. 3583

1 Damaged in the source.2 The Staatscourant was the newspaper published by the Dutch state containing

new laws and various governmental announcements, such as bankruptcies or prenuptial agreements.




johannEsburG June 2, 1895


DEAR SIR,

On moving the adoption our Committee desires of sending a Petition to the Right Honourable Sir Hercules Robinson1 the High Commissioner at Cape Town to acquaint His Excellency with our unfortunate position.

We desire to send the Petition through you or whether you can draft one for us, but we are afraid perhaps this might be necessary. Therefore please let us know whether we can do so, if you find this necessary please draft one & send without delay.

Awaiting, Yours faithfully,

prop. m. c. camroodEEn abdoor rahman

on bEhalf of thE b[ritish] indian committEE

S.N. 3584

1 Hercules Robinson (1824-1897), 1st Baron Rosmead G.C.M.G. P.C., was a British colonial administrator who became the Governor for various colonies like Hong Kong, New South Wales, Fiji and New Zealand. Arrived in South Africa before the Battle of Majuba Hill and was one of the commissioners for negotiating a peace and determining the future status of Transvaal.


28. LETTER FROM H. B. RICHARDS

british indian committEE p. o. box 299

johannEsburGJune 11, 1895

m. k. Gandhi Esq. durban, natal

DEAR SIR,

Your letters1 of the 1st and 7th instant address[ed] to Messrs Mahomed Cassim Camroodeen & Co. were laid before our Committee, who has instruct[ed] me to thank you for your advice.

burGhEa pEtition

This & European Petition have been forwarded to Mr. H. Habid in Pretoria who has handed it early in last week to the President & am sorry to say we have no reply yet, we have also sent a copy of the same to the News papers as advised by you.

homE pEtition

This & of the Viceroy was handed to the British Agent on the 30th of last month by representatives of this committee who went to Pretoria for the special purpose & who Sir Jacobs de West has promised to post the same day to the High Commissioner through whom it will be forwarded to Lord Ripon & Viceroy respectively.

lord ripon

Under your advice our Committee has resolved to cable his Lordship this day as follows: “Majority of us received verbal notice to remove to locations. We respectfully beg your Lordship to induce Transvaal Government to stay further action till our representation is considered” & a copy of the same to Sir William Wedderburn2.

1 These letters are not available2 Sir William Wedderburn (1838-1918), a Scottish civil servant in India.

Along with A. O. Hume founded the Indian National Congress and served its president in 1889 and 1910. Also served as the first Chairman of the British Committee of the Indian National Congress.

Letter from The Indian Committee 27

I shall be glad if you will impress upon our Pretoria friends the necessity of taking joint action with us as we are practically left alone to struggle against this case.

Yours faithfully, h. b. richards

honorary sEcrEtary

S.N. 3585

29. LETTER FROM THE INDIAN COMMITTEE

johannEsburGJune 23, 1895


DEAR SIR,

Our committee has passed a resolution to present Sir Hercules Robinson the High Commissioner for South Africa & Sir Heely Hutchinson the Governor of Natal with an address when His Excellency will arrive at Pretoria on the 8th July next.

But it has been desirable to take your opinion on the subject should it deemed desirable to present the said addresses please inform us by wire at an early date. Awaiting,

Yours faithfully, m. c. camroodEEn & co.

abdoor rahman on bEhalf of thE indian committEE

S.N. 379



lEGislativE council natal

June 26, 1895

m. k. Gandhi durban

DEAR SIR,

I have received your two favours of 24th instant1 with the Petition2 of certain Indians and which I presented to the Legislative Council this morning when it was read by the clerk.

I understand the Indian Immigration Law Amendment Bill as already passed by the Assembly and now passed its second reading in the Council has the approval of the delegates that were sent to India with reference to Indian Immigration and has been well considered by a Select Committee. I think there is no likelihood of any change being made in the Council with regard to the £ 3 license.

Your Petition speaks of 10 years servitude. I think it is only 5 years.

Yours truly, a. m. campbEll

S.N. 383

1 These letters are not available.2 Refer, “Petition to Natal Legislative Council”, CWMG Vol. 1, pp. 229-231.

This petition was regarding to the Indian Immigration Law Amendment Bill, which was introduced in the Natal Council on June 25, 1895, which proposed a yearly license of £ 3 to be taken out by every immigrant wishing to stay in the Colony as a free Indian, after finishing the term of indenture. This Bill had its second reading on June 26 and was passed.

Letter from Natal Government Railways 29

31. LETTER FROM ALFRED WEBB 1

housE of commons london

June 27, 1895DEAR SIR,

Yours with memorandum to hand.2 You are being infamously treated by the Colonial Government, & you will be so treated by the Home Government if they do not compel the Colonials to alter their policy.

Personally I can do little. The whole subject has been confided to the attention of a Committee of the British Congress Committee.

Very sincerely yours, alfrEd wEbb

S.N. 386

32. LETTER FROM NATAL GOVERNMENT RAILWAYS

in your rEply plEasE rEfEr to no. 2440 Gm 1895

GEnEral manaGEr’s officE durban

July 1, 1895

m. k. Gandhi Esq. p. o. box 66 durban

DEAR SIR,

I was favoured with your letter of 26th ultimo3 and have to thank you for the trouble you have taken to explain the question

1 Alfred Webb (1834-1908) who was a Quaker, a Member of Parliament, contributed frequently to India and other periodicals on South African Indian topics was President of the Congress at its Madras session (1894) and a member of the British Committee.

2 This letter is not available.3 This letter is not available.


relating to the use of Maize meals. I would however, venture to suggest that the supply to the Indians of the particular kind of flour to which they are accustomed in India was doubtless, in the drawing up of these contracts, fully considered, and that the Maize meal, which is a product of this country, was regarded the equivalent of the particular article supplied to them in India; at any rate this product has been regularly by supplied in Natal to all Indians employed on plantations, farmers, etc., and is found in practice to be quite acceptable. The supply of an additional quantity to meet an objection which certain of the employees’ made, appears to have given satisfaction as the men all accepted the new rations without demur and are, so far as I know, contented, a condition of things which it is my wish and desire should exist amongst all our Indian employees.

I have again to thank you for the explanations made in your letter as well as for the manner in which you have expressed yourself as to the desire on your part to satisfy, and conciliate, the Indian employees of the Department.

Yours faithfully, Sd.

GEnEral manaGEr

S.N. 392

Letter from Fazulbhai Visram 31


colonial sEcrEtary’s officE natal

July 13, 1895 1

SIR,

I am directed to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 12th instant2 drawing attention to the case of certain Railway Indians who were sentenced to imprisonment for leaving their work to attend the Mohorum3 festival.

I have the honour to be, Your obedient servant,

c. bird principal undEr sEcrEtary

mr. m. k. Gandhi p. o. box 66 durban

S.N. 3586

34. LETTER FROM FAZULBHAI VISRAM 4

visram Ebrahim & co. tElEGraphic addrEss “victory”

samuEl strEEt (khoja mohola) bombay

July 19, 1895


DEAR SIR,

I duly received your favour during May last5 together with the printed copy of the Petition of the Indians residing in the

1 Also refer S.N. 427 “Letter from C. Bird” (5-8-1895), p. 432 This letter is not available.3 As in the original.4 Probably a merchant and a member of Bombay Corporation.5 This letter is not available.


South African Republic addressed to the Viceroy and Governor General of India. I understand that the general petition has already been forwarded to Honourable …1 but had it been sent to me instead I could have passed it on with a suitable presentation from myself. As it is I do know if I have any locus[standi] to [address] the Viceroy officially on the subject but you & … minds may defend upon it that I shall do what I can unofficially to help them, that … urged to the constitutional position of parties concerned & in the light of that … on the subject it is difficult to see that (because a certain … of moral) belief in old repeated, of public sympathy has enough.

Yours very truly, fazulbhai visram

S.N. 401

35. LETTER FROM CONRAD B. COOKE

solicitor & convEyancEr Estcourt2

natalJuly 22, 1895

m. k. Gandhi Esq. advocatE durban

DEAR SIR,

I am in receipt of your letter of the 20th instant3 enclosing cheque for £ 4 18 2, for which I thank you.

You say I am not legally entitled to this amount but you are mistaken. If you will refer to Schedule DD under the Rules of the Magistrates Courts, you will find the amount charged is correct, as under.

Personal 3 days at I5/ (over 10 miles) £ 2 5 0Hotel expenses, 3 days at 8/4 1 5 0Railway fare 1st class return 1 8 2 ----------- £ 4 18 2

1 Damaged in the source.2 Estcourt is a town in the uThukela District of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.3 This letter is not available.

Letter from Mahomed Cassim Camroodeen 33

I am legally entitled to the above amount, I left here on the morning of the 15 instant and was detained at court the whole of the 16th and I am allowed a day in which to return.

Yours faithfully, c. b. cookE

S.N. 405

36. LETTER FROM MAHOMED CASSIM CAMROODEEN


johannEsburGJuly 29, 1895

m. k. Gandhi Esq., advocatE cEntral wEst strEEt, durban

MOST RESPECTED SIR,

Yours of the 21st 1 duly to hand with enclosing in, the cutting article in regards of the Indian affairs which you have received from your friend W. W. Hunter2, …3 the contents feel much pleasure in favour of your honour’s kind regards.

We have to say when your honor has been here on that time the people of Pretoria agreed to make the subscription for the Congress, but fail [sic] to do so, only they did, at that time what they had necessary. Besides this people of J.Burg 10 percent wants to pay the subscription & 90 percent did not. We are often taking steps for the … unite, but in vain.

Now Sir your humble letter will show to the Chairman & also the cutting article Times of … & they will send you an early reply what they think …

We are & remain, m. c. camroodEEn

1 This letter is not available.2 Sir William Wilson Hunter K.C.S.I. C.I.E. (1840–1900) was a Scottish

historian, statistician, an authority on Indian affairs and a leading member of the British Committee.

3 Damaged in the source.


[p. s.]Send you by post in a week’s time. Sir: By arrival your

letter & the cutting article we are glad by reading the same happening will oblige often in …

S.N. 3587

S.N. 428 p. 1

Letter from Mahomed Cassim Camroodeen 35

S.N. 428 p. 2


S.N. 428 p. 3

Letter from H. Welsh 37

S.N. 428 p. 4

37. LETTER FROM H. WELSH

July 29, 1895

m. k. Gandhi

SIR

Received cheque for £ 1.2.0 with thanks.Yours truly, h. wElsh

S.N. 428 p. 5


38. A LETTER

p. o. box 66 m. k. Gandhi advocatE

aGEnt for thE EsotEric christian union and thE london vEGEtarian sociEty

cEntral wEst strEEt durban

July 29, 1895Received from M. K. Gandhi the sum of two pounds ten

shillings, it being my expense in Abdulla and Bennett in full settlement.

Sd.

S.N. 428 p. 6

39. LETTER FROM HAJI OJER ALLY 1

johannEsburGAugust 2, 1895

m. k. Ghandi2 Esq. barristEr-at-law durban

SIR,

I beg to crave your indulgence and to accept my sincerest apology for not replying to your favour of May 11th last3 before now, which was owing to pressure of business and an oversight of mine. I am now addressing you in my private and not in my official capacity as the Chairman of British Indian Committee

1 H. O. Ally was a Gujarati Muslim born in Mauritius in 1853, founder President of Hamidia Islamic Society and a Member of the Transvaal British Indian Deputation to London, 1906.

2 As in the original.3 This is not available.

Letter from Haji Ojer Ally 39

…1 . I consider all official communications to be done through the Secretary.

I regret to state at once that I am primarily independent enough to make myself too conspicuous and prominent in regarding the Asiatic questions, therefore I decline the responsibility you are trying to thrust upon me. Not being acquainted with anyone at East London I could not very well recommended to you, I could … Mr. Dorrosamy Pillai the so-called Chairman of the British … … political association of Kimberley ought to have taken … … … up in the Cape Colony instead of writing … … in the Transvaal paper … .

With the assistance of my Committee and with great exertions, patience and troubles only have succeeded in raising a fund of about £ 300 in Johannesburg. But regret to say that despite of our repeated appeals to our Pretoria funds we have not yet received a farthing from them not even the assurance of their Co-operation in the matter. You cannot, therefore, blame us for it. I have personally spoken to Hajee Habeeb2, my committee have also approached them but without avail. The largest numbers of the shops and the richest merchants and traders are in Pretoria. However my committee with the consent of the Johannesburg Indians are prepared to hand over our funds to them on the £ to £ principle of they are willing and capable of defending our cause.

I hope you will strongly advise them to take united action and to contribute their share towards the funds. Your statement of expenses we have referred to them for approval, months have elapsed since and yet they have not had even the courtesy of acknowledging the receipts of it; therefore we have been unable to reply to you on the subject. I am really disgusted when … large number of Indians residing and trading … … the Transvaal Republic, to see such a … … sum of £ 300 contributed when at the very … … ought to have been £ … in order … … the leaders to carry out, a successful issue … a gigantic affair.

The £ 300 we mean to preserve for our legal defence and should any ejectment be issued against us to appeal to the High Court pending the interference of the British Government.

I have now to congratulate your first success in securing the support and sympathy of the leading English papers.

1 Damaged in the source.2 A merchant and community leader in Pretoria and one of the Vice-

Presidents of Natal Indian Congress. He proposed the jail-going resolution in 1906, and went with M. K. Gandhi on a deputation to London in 1909.


‘The Times of London’ to take the matter up in our favour and to revise of the other influential gentleman.

It was a great pity that the change after Government and the dissolution at parliament took place in England just when the English nation was put in mind of just grievances, and the indignity … suffering in this Republic. I trust you will cause the British Committee 1 through Sir W. Wedderburn to re-stir the question or the considerations of our memorial to the new Cabinet, and hope that the newly elected Indian member Mr. Bhownaggree2 would take as much interest in our cause as Mr. Naoroji3 did.

I have seen your last letter addressed to Mr. M. C. Camroodeen and was very glad … … that you have received several letters of … and sympathy from influential gentlemen.

But I am very much surprised at the … twice to learn from Mr. Abdool Gani … you disclosed the contents of the … to the … Durban Indian Congress … .

I quite agree with you that the whole question was to be taken up for South Africa as a whole, but how can that be done?

Our fellow country-men, throughout the length and breadth of South Africa, are too selfish and indifferent; the larger majority of them do not understand the benefit of meeting, organising and to agitate; and they generally hide themselves behind the bush … called upon … their … in their pockets to contribute their … towards the funds for their own benefit.

With such a state of things can you expect willing … or those who can give up the cudgel on their behalf come forward? I do not say that the question cannot be solved to the best interest of all fellow country-men. I am positive and convinced that five or more good men from amongst our people can be found.

1 British Committee of the Indian National Congress.2 Sir Mancherjee Merwanjee Bhownagree, K.C.I.E. (1851-1933), a Parsi

Barrister settled in England was elected on the Unionist Party ticket and was a Member of Parliament for ten years. He was also a member of the British Committee of the Indian National Congress.

3 Dadabhai Naoroji (1825-1917), known as “the Grand Old Man of India” presided thrice over the Congress session, in 1886, 1893 and 1906 enunciated, for the first time, Swaraj as a goal of Congress. He who was a member of the British Committee of the Congress in London was the first Indian to be elected to the British Parliament. He was a Liberal Party Member of Parliament in the House of Commons during 1892-1895.


Durban, Cape Colony and the Transvaal who would be willing to take the matter up seriously and earnestly. That is … they be … … with sufficient funds in order to carry the matter to cable the matter to the … end. But they … be expected to sacrifice the bread and butter of their wives and children … cause of … of … to do community … should resist.

If this be true, I consider that you committed a very great indiscretion in doing so because the Durban Indians are not interested parties in the matter; they do not even sympathize and assists us in any way. Although they promised sometimes ago to contribute £ 70 towards our defence funds they not yet sent us a single farthing.

We should have been first made aware of the contents of three communications before anybody else. In your capacity as our representative you should forthwith favour us with a copy of any communications you may receive with regards to our case, because we are very anxious to hear from England as well as from India with reference to our memorial.

I hope you will not take this as expressing any resentment or ill-feeling.

Owing to my position as above stated, I cannot spare much time in the cause of the Indians, thereafter in several occasions. I have rendered my resignation as Chairman of the Committee, but am sorry to say they would not let me off, which is to the detriment of my personal interest.

I am posting a few copies of the “Star” in which you will find something concerning us.

With best wishes and kind regards, I remaining,

Yours sincerely, h. o. ally

p. s.The ‘Star’ I am alluding has been already forwarded you

by Messrs. M. C. C. Kindly forward us with a copy of letters you received in regarding our cause and oblige.

Yours h. o. a.

p. o. box 1153S.N. 3588


40. LETTER FROM BALE1 AND GREENE 2

balE & GrEEnE solicitors, notariEs public, & c. hEnry balE Edward mackEnziE GrEEnE


August 5, 1895


DEAR SIR,

In rendering the account re Arab we omitted to include the fees due to Sheriff viz. 10/6. Can you recover these for us, please let us know, as if not we will pay them ourselves, as the mistake is ours.

Yours truly, balE and GrEEnE

p. s.We have not yet paid Messrs. Hellet & Calder their account

for serving subpoenas etc. They have not rendered it yet.b&G

S.N. 428 pp. 7-8

1 Henry Bale was the President of the Natal Law Society (NLS), a Member of the Natal Legislative Assembly and Attorney-General in Natal’s first ministry and Minister of Education in Harry Escombe’s Ministry in 1897 was assisted by M. K. Gandhi in the Dada Abdulla case. Also as the President, NLS engaged another Attorney to oppose M. K. Gandhi’s enrollement as a Supreme Court advocate.

2 Edward Mackenzie Greene was an Attorney and a Member of the Natal Law Society argued against M. K. Gandhi’s admission to the Natal Bar before the Supreme Court of Natal.





August 5, 1895 1SIR,

With reference to your letter of the 12th ultimo2, calling attention to the case of certain Indians employed on the Natal Government Railways who were recently charged before the Magistrate, Durban, for absenting themselves from work without leave on the occasion of the Mohurrum3 Festival, I have the honour, by direction, to inform you that the Law 15, 1862, the public holidays law, does not of itself give anyone the right to take holidays.

Section 24 of Law 25, 1891, which relates to the holidays to be taken by Indian Immigrants, names but a few days as holidays, and this provision may be varied by special contract. There is also a proviso for dealing with the subject of regulations.

The Indians indentured to the Railway have by their contracts no right to claim the days of Mohurrum as holidays, and the Government is unable to read the clause on which you rely as giving them any such right.

As a matter of practice, however, the Railway Department has acted with great liberality towards its indentured Indians, in allowing half of … …4 holidays and half on the days following, and as many as could be spared were allowed to attend the Mohurrum.

I am to add that the Indians, if aggrieved by the sentence of the court, have the right of recourse to the protector, who is empowered by law to intervene on their behalf.




S.N. 427

1 Also refer S.N. 3588 “Letter from Haji Ojer Ally” (2-8-1895), p. 382 This letter is not available.3 As in the source.4 Damaged in the source.




natal August 10, 1895

mr. m. k. Gandhi p. o. box 66, durban

SIR,

In answer to your letter of the 8th instant1, I beg to inform you that a memorial to the Indian Government should pass through this office which will transmit the memorial to His Excellency the Governor.

If this is not done, the Memorial2 would almost certainly have to be referred back to this colony for report.

Yours faithfully, c. bird


S.N. 431

1 This letter is not available.2 Refer, “Memorial to Lord Elgin”, CWMG Vol. 1, pp. 242-244 and also

memorial “Memorial to Joseph Chamberlain”, Principal Secretary of State for the Colonies, CWMG Vol.1-pp.232-242 deal with the Indian Immigration Law Amendment Bill passed by the Natal Legislative Assembly and the Natal Legislative Council. These appeals were turned down. The Bill received Royal sanction and became law on August 18, 1896.

Letter from Sankaran Nair 45

43. LETTER FROM SANKARAN NAIR 1

EGmorE madras

indiaSeptember 18, 1895

SIR,

I have to acknowledge the receipt of the petition in re. Immigration Bill which I have perused with much regret. I shall draw the attention of the Madras public to the grievances complained of in my “Madras Review” and by questions in the Legislative Council.

Though not having the pleasure of your acquaintance may I request a favour of you. Can you kindly let me know whether there are laws passed specially for Indians in Natal and can you kindly send me the following if possible by return of post.

Law no 13 of 75 about Native Marriages Law no 46 of 87 on Native Marriages with Christian rites19 of 1891 Native Code25 of 1891 Indian ImmigrantIf these could be had only with other you may send them

all together, whatever the cost, I shall send you on hearing from you. You may send it value payable or to any agency here for delivery to me on payment of money or any other way you like.

Yours faithfully, sankaran nair

My address:

honourablE mr. sankaran nayar lEGislativE council mEmbEr EGmorE, madras india

S.N. 3591

1 Sir Chettur Sankaran Nair (1857-1934) was a judge of the Madras High Court and President of the Indian National Congress in 1897.


44. LETTER FROM V. RAMIAH NAIDOO

hEidElbErGOctober 4, 1895

to mr. Gandhi durban natal

DEAR SIR,

I am informing you this few lines to ask you about the Indian Congress in Natal because I like to be a subscriber in the Congress & also my friends & I don’t know whether the Congress wants more subscribers or not & if the Congress Do want [sic] more subscribers will you kindly let me know the laws of the Congress please and all other rules with it & kindly send me the answer for this letter please.

I am yours truly, v. ramiah naidoo

My address is

to mr. v. r. samy hEidElbErG

S.N. 3592

Letter from Madanjit Vyavaharik 47

45. LETTER FROM MADANJIT VYAVAHARIK 1

October 5, 1895DEAR MR. GANDHI,

I came here last night & I hear that they have arranged for a gathering as I hear the people here expect about 400 men to come to the meeting. If so I may hope to have a good round sum. Of course it is not possible to get the money in cash. But they will sign to give you at harvest time. I have done some work in Glendale where I got people to sign my book & some promised to pay £ 3 some time. A while there with a few about half a dozen who went in for 10/s. In fact I have got about £ 5, from the people to be recovered at the harvest time & this is to remember that half or more people … .2 I have not been able [to] approach them all. Some twenty men in Luing’s place 60 or 70 in Punya’s place have not yet come in & when I go back to Glendale I believe I shall be able to have £ 80 so that Glendale alone will give us £ 150. But this sum will be received only when they get money at the harvest time. If all the people are taken up with the same spirit & if you & two or three more merchants were to come up here then I believe we will be able to collect £ 500 of course not cash it is not much. Again if you come Merchants will give at once. There will be a dozen persons to pay their subscription. Please therefore for the sake of the dear the cause you will spare Sunday & come here. Your presence will inspire … with … … Cultivators are not at a … had they are unwilling to pay. You are requested by Desai to specially come here. There is hotel here & you know that an arrangement could be made to bring you & others here. You can take a carriage from the hotel at Verulam. The boy has been specially sent for you. You therefore do try to come here.

Yours faithfully, v. madanjit

S.N. 3593

1 Madanjit Vyavaharik a co-worker of M. K. Gandhi in South Africa, “the man who for long years brought up the South African question before the Indian Congress”, set up the International Printing Press in Durban in 1898 at M. K. Gandhi’s instance, and in 1903, started Indian Opinion which M. K. Gandhi took over in 1904 and later founded and edited United Burma, an English journal, with the object of uniting the Burmese and associating them with the Indian National Congress.



46. LETTER FROM THE PROTECTOR OF IMMIGRANTS

mEmorandum

officE of protEctor of immiGrants durban

natalOctober 17, 1895

to mr. m. k. Gandhi advocatE, durban

DEAR SIR,

Yours of even date1 to hand.I send you a copy of Report of Natal Immigration Commission.Please return same as early as possible.I have no Mauritius Communication Report on Fiji & Mauritius

Laws available.Yours faithfully,

Sd. protEctor of immiGrants

S.N. 3594

1 This letter is not available.

Letter from J. C. Pille 49

47. TELEGRAM FROM BRITISH INDIAN DEFENCE COMMITTEE1

October 22, 1895

colonial sEcrEtary downinG strEEt london

YOUR MAJESTY’S BRITISH INDIAN SUBJECTS RESPECTFULLY PROTEST

AGAINST COLOUR DISTINCTION MADE BY HONOURABLE VOLKSRAAD2 IN

RATIFYING COMMANDO TREATY SEVENTH …3 MEMORIAL WILL FOLLOW.

british indian dEfEncE committEE4

S.N. 3598

48. LETTER FROM J. C. PILLE

hEndriksdal limpopo

via piEtErmaritzburG s. a. r.

October 23, 1895Gandhi Esq., barristEr durban natal

DEAR SIR,

I have the honour beg to request will you please kindly dispatch me some of the reports about the “Indian Congress of Natal” which held some days ago5.

1 British Indian Defence Committee was the counterpart of the Natal Indian Congress.

2 The Volksraad was the Dutch word for the legislative assemblies of the South African Republic (Transvaal) and the Orange Free State. They ceased to exist after the British victory in the Second Anglo-Boer War (1899-1902).

3 Not deciphered.4 On the telegram it reads: “Imprint Mr. Pillay, Secretary”.5 The meeting was held on 29-9-1895 at Durban, for more details refer,

CWMG Vol. 1, pp. 258-259.


I am very anxious to know the reports what is proper. And I could not know anything about our “National Congress” at home since I left from 1893.

I like to be one of the candidates in the “Natal Indian Congress” if you will please let me know the rules and regulations in your earlier convenience.

I am oblige [sic] to send the subscriptions what I …1 if you will please give me your proper address and what name to be make [sic].

I am very fond to read our home papers for a long time that I could not get any.

I should be much thankful if you will kindly favour me. I like our home papers “English” as I am being a “Madrasee”.

I have the honour to be Sir,

Yours obediently, j. c. pillE

Please note the address:

j. c. pillE indians hEndriksdal limpopo via piEtErmaritzburG s. a. r.

S.N. 3595

49. LETTER FROM J. SUMMERS

GrEytown2

October 25, 1895

m. k. Gandhi durban

MY DEAR SIR,

I take the liberty of writing to you to ask you if you would favour me with a little information on a subject which I

1 Damaged in the source.2 Greytown is a town situated on the banks of a tributary of the Umvoti

River in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

Letter from Abdoor Rahaman 51

am told you are fully acquainted, and I trust you will do your best to assist me.

In connection with a debating Society in this town the subject of discussion on Nov. 3rd is the extension of the franchise to Indians in Natal. I would be grateful to you if you would write me a few particulars in favour of the Extension to Indians any figures would be gladly acceptable & in fact your arguments in full if you have the time to write. What qualifications do you fairly consider should entitle Indians to a vote in this colony? Apologizing for troubling you & hoping for a reply.1

Yours faithfully, j. summErs

p. s.I have just heard that you were one of the prime movers

in the petition which was sent home to the Government. A copy of it would be invaluable if it could be obtained for me.

S.N. 597

50. LETTER FROM ABDOOR RAHAMAN 2

mEmorandum

rahaman [GEnEral] mErchant, Estcourt & colEnso

Estcourt, October 27, 1895

to mr. m. k. Gandhi durban natal

SIR

I beg to inform you that I send a cheque £ 1-10 & letter about the Congress meeting for four months.

Yours faithfully,

S.N. 3596

1 Refer, S.N. 613 “Letter from J. Summers” (4-11-1895), p. 54.2 From Sabarmati Ashram’s archival database entry.


51. LETTER FROM BRITISH INDIAN DEFENCE COMMITTEE

johannEsburGNovember 2, 1895

m. k. Gandhi Esq. durban

DEAR SIR,

We beg to own your esteemed favours1 dated 18th & 29th ultimo Contents noted with best thanks acting upon your instructions we cable to the Secretary of State for the Colonies on the 22nd our protest re the distinction of colour with regards to the Commando law of this Republic annexed please find copy of the same. We forwarded copies of our protests to the following gentlemen viz. Sir William Wedderburn, Sir William Wilson Hunter, Sir Ellis A. Bartlett2, Arnold Forster, Dadaboy Naorojie3, Bownagree4 MP & the London “Times.”

We regret delaying your information which was due to an oversight of our Secretary. We are sorry to say that Pretoria do not seem to care much to take united action and have to acquaint you with the facts that a Mussalman Shop keeper who duly rendered his trading license money at Potchefstroom which was of course refused safeguard, summoned & fined by the Landdrost5 for trading without a License £ 15. We have noted an appeal against this decision which will come before the High Court at Pretoria sometimes next week.

We regret to say that our people up here are very indifferent & too selfish, therefore we cannot raise sufficient funds to carry on the agitation in a proper business manner like. You will be pleased to draft a memorial on our behalf to the Secretary of State for the Colonies protesting against the colour distinction in regarding the Commando law as being against the principle of English Law as to equality of rights & privileges reminding

1 These letters are not available.2 Sir Ellis Ashmead-Bartlett (1849-1902) British conservative politician.3 A variant spelling of Dadabhai Naoroji. 4 A variant spelling of M. M. Bhownaggree.5 Title used for various Dutch officials.

Letter from BakerAnd Lindsay 53

the Colonial Secretary his own expression to Mr. Bonnerjee1 sometime ago.

Thanking you on behalf of my committee. With kind regardsWe remain,

Yours faithfully,

S.N. 3597

52. LETTER FROM BAKER2AND LINDSAY

prEtoriaNovember 4, 1895

m. k. Gandhi Esq. prEtoria natal

DEAR SIR,

We are in receipt of yours of 30th ultimo3 and shall give it attention. As the Gazettes are in Dutch it would not help you to send you these even …4 separate numbers could be obtained which we doubt. We will therefore translate the various enactments and will send them to you in due course. We are writing to the correspondents in Bloemfontein to do the like there as requested.

Petition to president Mr. … tells us that Tayob has not paid the charges herein and that you promised, if he failed, to pay them.

Yours faithfully, bakEr and lindsay

S.N. 3599

1 Womesh Chunder Bonnerjee (1844-1906) was an Indian barrister and the first President of the Indian National Congress.

2 Albert Weir Baker whom M. K. Gandhi assisted for Dada Abdulla’s case in the Transvaal Court was an Attorney, a Linguist and a lay preacher.



53. LETTER FROM J. SUMMERS

GrEytownNovember 4, 1895

m. k. Gandhi durban

DEAR SIR,

The copies of the petitions1 have come to my hand for which I beg to thank you kindly. They gave me lots of scope on the subject & I may tell you that our debate was very successful as well as instructive and interesting. Thanking you again & hoping that eventually your cause will be a success. It must come sooner or later.

Yours sincerely, j. summErs

S.N. 613

54. LETTER FROM V. R. SAMMY

hEidElbErG, transvaal

November 7, 1895

to m. k. Gandhi natal

DEAR SIR,

I am informing you this few lines but now I received your letter and the papers & I was very glad and also my friends and Sir, me and my friends will be subscribers in the Indian Congress on this New Year & we are willing to join in the Congress from this New Year & I will try to get some more members to the Congress if I can.

I am yours truly, v. r. sammy

transvaalS.N. 3601

1 Refer, S.N. 597 “Letter from J. Summers” (25-10-1895), p. 50.

Letter from Madurai 55

55. LETTER FROM MADURAI 1

truE translation

November 7, 1895

m. k. Gandhi Esq., advocatE

SIR,

I beg to submit the following few lines with best compliments to you.

I have forgotten to tell you some more on the day when I came to your office to give my agreement to you viz. on Friday the first of this month about 2.30 p.m. My master went away to Delagoa Bay from that date my mistress & the Head servant Miss F. Hornsby began to trouble me. In order to inform you the above matter on Sunday at about 6.30 p.m. after finishing all my works I went to my mistress and told her that I require leave on Monday. She said you stayed away two days in last week so I can’t give you leave tomorrow I said, Madam, I did not stay away two days in last week, when have you given me two days leave in a week? The reason for asking you leave for tomorrow is first I have to take physic in the early morning. Because I suffer very much from stomach-ache. Second I have to go to Town to pay my debts & to bring some goods for our meals. On next day the 4th Monday the head servant F. Hornsby asked me “Why are you going to town?” I replied her the same as I did to my Mistress. She said “If so, you may finish all your work within 1 or 2 p.m. and then go.” I agreed to this and I finished all my work within 1 p.m. and then asked for a pass. She the Head servant gave me the pass and she did not tell me that I should come to the work again but the pass was till 5 p.m. I took this pass, went to my house, took my meals, came to Town, paid my debts to the merchants, came to your office to give my agreement, waited there for a few moments or hours and gave the agreement after seeing you, went to the shop again, bought some goods and then to reach the place it

1 The three letters written by Madurai have been kept under the same S.N. in the Sabarmati Ashram’s archival database but here have been placed separately as Item No. 55 (p. 55), 56 (p. 58) & 61 (p. 61).


passed 7 p.m. Next day I went to my work at 6 o’clock, from 7 to 7-30 a.m. I have prepared for breakfast and as usual I went to my place to wear a clean apron and then I was preparing everything from the kitchen to the Dining room. She the head servant F. Hornsby came & said “you need not do this work and the other works, you better go to the upstairs & sweep the bed room.” It was about 8 a.m. It took me more than 1½ hours to sweep the bedroom & to water the flower pots which were in the verandah. As usual I went to take my meals at 9.30 a.m. and returned at 10 a.m. As soon as I went there she told me to go upstairs & clean her & Miss Hitchins’ bed room windows. After finishing all these works at about 2.15 p.m., I went to take my meals. As soon as I returned she told me to clean the brass pieces fixed in my masters bed after that she told me to prepare the table. At about 6 p.m., the head servant said mistress has gone out, I don’t know when she will return so you better wait till she comes. I did so. At about 7 p.m., Mrs Hitchins came; she called me and asked me “Why didn’t you empty the dirt bucket or basin? What do you think in your mind? Empty it at once.” I asked the mistress how is that you often trouble me to do this dirt business. I thought of doing it as usual meanwhile the head servant gave me other works to do & also she said “I don’t care you must do that which is given to you.” It is passed 7 o’ clock & it is dark and it doesn’t seem to be fair to trouble me every now & then to do this dirty business so I request you not to give me that work again, moreover I feel shy to do that work, I suffered much & you must excuse me hereafter. Immediately she said “Did I ask you to do this work or else discuss with me; alright wait for a minute.” She at once telegraphed to the Beria police & said “my cooly is drunk, he refuses to do the work, he disobeys me during the absence of his master. So arrest him at once & take him to the Magistrate in the morning.” I don’t know what they replied. She ordered the conveyance at once, went to the police station & brought two native constables with her, & ordered to take me to the Police. I was not there at that time I went away to my house & the Native constables came to my house and knocked the door. I opened it and they entered my room & smelled my mouth. I asked them “Why do you do this?” They said “We are informed that you stole the liquor & drank and also refused to do the works. So we are instructed to take you before the Magistrate.” They took me to my mistress. She gave them a letter & said “Lock him up now & take him before the


Magistrate in the morning.” While the constables were taking me the head servant Hornsby instructed the Kafirs to strike me. As soon as my wife saw this she began to shout & follow me with the two children. When my mistress saw my wife following me she called her & said “I have instructed the Police to strike your husband & send him to jail for a month. If you were to follow him they will do the same to you. If you ask your husband to empty the pisspot at once, I shall order the kafirs to leave him alone.” She came at once to me & informed me the matter. The Native constables brought me back & I was obliged to do the work. On my return from the bed room I saw the head servant giving the Kafirs some money. Yesterday I heard that Mr. Hitchins is coming today (Thursday). So I did not send the letter which I wrote yesterday as I waited for the result. He came on Thursday at about 9 a.m. I took his breakfast, and at 9.30 a.m., he asked me “Why did mistress give you in charge of the police.” I replied him “Mistress knows it.” He said “Alright, how did you dare to disobey mistress during my absence. I sent you to jail twice & instructed others to strike you four times yet I am unknown to you. She at least sympathized & left you alone. But today I alone shall take you to the Magistrate & instruct him to imprison you for two months with hard labour and on your return I shall make you alright. You better go and take your meals & return & then finish your works as soon as possible.” I went home to take my meals & wrote the result to your kind consideration. The burden has fallen on you & I request you to save me from my troubles.

I conclude this letter with my best compliments to you & your clerks.

Please correct the errors.

p. s.I shall let you know everything in the next letter.

S.N. 3602


56. LETTER FROM MADURAI

November 11, 1895


MOST RESPECTED SIR,

I beg to submit the following few lines to your honor with much respect.

I have written a letter to you on Thursday the 7th November. The following occurred after that on November 8th at about 8.30 in the morning my master abused me & said that he would break my face, teeth & neck and send me to the Magistrate & ask him to put me in Jail. On Saturday the 9th November at about 6.30 in the morning he chid me for the candle stick and this was not my fault, it was the fault of the head servant named Hornsby. They trouble me very much. I don’t know what would be the result in future & now I have laid my troubles before you. Therefore it is your burden to protect me from these troubles. If you only take steps as to cancel my agreement or to transfer me to any other gentleman it would be just as I am reborn. Moreover I don’t know what they intended to do. Is it just for them to do so. I have reached your humble feet for protection & I have to be saved by you alone. It is the talk of the Colony that the Indentured Indians receive protection from you & also your name is famous everywhere. Wherefore I request you very much to use your influence to protect me.

I am, capt. hitchins’ indEnturEd sErvant,

madurai

S.N. 3602

Letter from Abdool Gani 59

57. LETTER FROM BAKER AND LINDSAY

bakEr & lindsay solicitors, notariEs, convEyancErs, & c.

prEtoria November 11, 1895

to m. k. Gandhi Esq. advocatE p. o. box 66 durban

DEAR SIR,

We are in receipt of your favour of the 7th instant1 and as requested now enclose memo of fees re Petitions to President.

Yours faithfully, bakEr & lindsay

S.N. 3604

58. LETTER FROM ABDOOL GANI




DEAR SIR,

In reference to our dispatch of the second November we beg to inform you that until now no answer having been received from you with regard to the Petition of the Secretary of State for the Colonies protesting against the colour distinction in regarding the Commando Law. Therefore kindly draw a memorial for us



according that dispatch stated above, by earliest as we are awaiting anxiously for despatching same to Mr. Chamberlain as they all know a memorial is coming from the Indians. We think in delaying this now will not lead to satisfactory.

Oblige. Awaiting for your esteemed favour.Yours respectfully,

for abdool Gani indian committEE

S.N. 3605

59. LETTER FROM EBRAHIM KHAN

vryburG1 November 14, 1895

SIR,

I shall be very thankful to receive from you, the open letter & petitions2, sent to Home Government & Indian Government, relating to our Indian grievances.

I am yours, Ebrahim khan p. o. box 73

to m. k. Gandhi Esq. advocatE durban natal

S.N. 3606

1 Vryburg (Afrikaans for free fort) is a large agricultural town situated in the Dr. Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality of the North West Province of South Africa.

2 Refer, “Open Letter”, CWMG Vol. 1, pp. 170-188 and Petitions: “Petition to Natal Legislative Assembly”, CWMG Vol. 1, pp. 199-201; “Petition to Lord Ripon”, CWMG Vol. 1, pp. 201-219; “Petition to Lord Elgin”, CWMG Vol. 1, pp. 219-222; “Petition to Natal Legislative Council”, CWMG Vol. 1, pp. 229-231.


60. LETTER FROM THE INDIAN COMMITTEE


to m. k. Gandhi Esq.

RESPECTED SIR,

Yours of the 16th 1 duly to hand, & read the contents understand the same.

We herewith enclose a letter by copying of Mr. Arnold Foster for your inspection.

We have urgent to remind you that, your honour take the necessary trouble for sending the memorial as soon as possible, hoping this will be done in due course by you & oblige.

I am yours truly, prop. abdool GanEE, syEd Ehmadia

for indian committEE

S.N. 3607

61. LETTER FROM MADURAI

November 20, 1895


SIR,

I pen you these few lines with much respect.I have written two letters to you previous to this which

contain full of important matters. With all my difficulties and dangers I have to inform you a part of my wife’s. If 10 or 11 days passes she is without work, pay rations etc. for the last three months. If we were to be in this condition how are we to progress. On the contrary I am a stranger to this place. How could I support my wife & children out of my



simple salary. By these troubles I became debtor. Moreover it is impossible for me to pass a day with pleasure. Now I trust & hope that you will take further steps.

I am, capt. hitchins’ indEnturEd sErvant,

madurai

S.N. 3602

62. FRAGMENT OF A LETTER FROM BAKER AND LINDSAY

prEtoria November 26, 1895

mr. Gandhi box 66 durban

DEAR SIR,

We are sending you further translations of …1 Resolutions affecting the law this state as also a copy … Pretoria Convention and Translation of the London … of these two the former is taken an only surviving Blue book2 … the latter has been translated the original thereof in the … .

The Footpaths Bye-Laws is a Board Regulation for the town Johannesburg, which has been a … of by Government. There is …

S.N. 647

63. LETTER FROM BRYAN GABRIEL3

[November, 1895]4

DEAR MR. GANDHI,

I trust you will excuse me for the trouble I give you, I am about to sail to England and I would be greatly obliged

1 Damaged in the source.2 Blue book contains documents relating to the administration of Natal.3 A photographer and a member of the Phoenix settlement for some time.4 From Sabarmati Ashram’s archival database entry.

Letter from Bryan Gabriel 63

to you if you will kindly send me a few letters of introduction1 to some of the gents in England, I have no doubt you know a good many of them well.

My object in asking to be introduced to these gentlemen is that I may be able to freely converse with them about the Indians in S. Africa and give them an idea about the feelings between the white and the poor black man in South Africa.

I shall also try to see Mr. D. Naoroji when in London. I shall also be greatly obliged to you if you can give me a few hints as to how I may approach them about the subject.

When in London I intend to stay there for a while I shall join one of the Photographic studios with a view of bettering myself in the Modern art of Photography.

I hope you will not fail to oblige me in conclusion. I wish you every success in the Great Work you have so generously undertaken to do. I am sure no one is more …2 to you than I.

I am watching the papers daily. I see there has been a good many meetings held and they all seem to be dead on the poor Indian. However I sincerely trust that our success will be something similar to what King Khama attained against the Chartered Company of the Cape of Good Hope.

I shall anxiously await a reply from you. My best respects.I remain,

Yours very truly, bryan GabriEl

c/o. zEb. Goodman Esq. box 22 johannEsburG

p. s.I am not certain when we are to leave here but I would

like to have the letters as soon as possible in case we have to leave immediately.

S.N. 3603

1 Refer, S.N. 3609 “Letter from Bryan Gabriel” (6-12-1895), p. 652 Damaged in the source.




December 4, 1895SIR,

I am directed to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 3rd instant1, asking if it is true that the Government intends henceforward to appoint only Europeans as Tamil and Hindustani Interpreters for the Supreme Court.



mr. m. k. Gandhi p. o. box 33, durban

c. s. o. 35

S.N. 3608

65. LETTER FROM THE OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL2

attornEy GEnEral’s officE piEtErmaritzburG


Your letter to the Colonial Secretary enquiring whether it is true, as reported, that the Government intends to appoint only Europeans as Tamil and Hindustani interpreters for the Supreme Court, has been handed to the Attorney General, who

1 This letter is not available.2 The Attorney General was Sir Harry Escombe.

Letter from Bryan Gabriel 65

asks me to say that no such decision as referred to has been made by Government.

Yours etc. Sd.


S.N. 668

66. LETTER FROM BRYAN GABRIEL

johannEsburGDecember 6, 1895

MY DEAR MR. GANDHI,

Yours of the 27th 1 to hand me safely this morning.I have only just returned from Kroonstaad2 O.F.S. where

Mr. Goodman & I went for a short holiday.I thank you very much for the four letters of introduction3

which you so kindly sent me. I shall do my very best to make good use of them. I wish to thank you more especially for the one addressed to Prince Ranjisinjee4. I assure you I shall be very proud to be introduced to a Prince of Royal blood.

The date of our departure has not been fixed yet. I think I will know soon when we are to leave. Mr. Goodman is very busy just now and being an invalid he has to go about his work very slowly. I would very much like to have a few copies of the Annual report of the Congress for last year also the different memorials sent to the Government. I am very anxiously looking forward to our departure to London as I am more than anxious to be introduced to these gentlemen, although I may not be able to do much I may at least make an impression on their minds as to the quality of the Indians in S. Africa. I hope the Congress members are doing active work I see in the papers that the Natal Government intend to put in another Bill against the Franchise being extended to the Indians.

1 This letter is not available.2 Kroonstad (Afrikaans for Crown City) is the third-largest city of the

Free State province of South Africa.3 Refer, S.N. 3603 “Letter from Bryan Gabriel” (November, 1895), p. 62.4 Prince Ranjitsinh of Nawanagar.


If it is not asking too much I would like one more favour that is to be in possession of a letter signed by the President of the Congress charging me as a member to convey to Mr. Naorojee1 the sincere thanks of the Congress although it has been done already I would very much like to have one if you think it wise I leave it to you.

I have nothing more to say than to wish you every success in your business. I sincerely hope that this Indian Franchise question will be speedily terminated.

If ever I should make a name for myself in London no matter how small it maybe I shall owe it to you.

With best respects, I remain,

Yours very truly, bryan GabriEl

S.N. 3609




I am directed to acknowledge the receipt of your further letter relative of the 7th instant2 to the case Reg. vs Rungasamy Padayachi.



mr. m. k. Ghandi3

hon. sEc: natal indian conGrEss durban

S.N. 3610

1 As in the source.2 This letter is not available.3 As in the source.

Letter from Robert Shemeld 67


f. no. 766 in your rEly plEasE rEfEr to no. b 8387/95

natal GovErnmEnt railwaysGEnEral manaGEr’s officE

durbanDecember 10, 1895


DEAR SIR,

I am obliged by your letter of 9th instant1 and will do what I can to put right the matter which you have brought under my notice.

Yours faithfully, d. w. huntEr GEnEral manaGEr

S.N. 3611

69. LETTER FROM ROBERT SHEMELD2

prEtoriaDecember 17, 1895

DEAR MR. GHANDI3,

I have just seen the deposition made by Mr. Hajee Abdoola regarding his ejectment from a 2nd class carriage in the Z.A.R.4

If you think it of service I am willing to send to American newspapers a few copies of this deposition. Allow me to suggest that a strong point in your favour is that of the Jubilee …5

1 This letter is not available.2 Mr. and Mrs. Shemeld knew M. K. Gandhi in the 1890s in Pretoria

where they were missionaries.3 As in the original.4 This is Zuid-Afrikaansche Republick, Dutch for South African Republic.5 Not deciphered.


coming into the Z.A.R. and going from Johannesburg to Pretoria & return not as servants in charge of a white man but as independent coloured persons.

I write this away from home & Mrs. Shemeld and Johnny would send greetings.

Yours sincerely, r. shEmEld

box 432 prEtoria

S.N. 3612

70. LETTER FROM HARRY ESCOMBE1

attornEy GEnEral’s officE piEtErmaritzburG December 18, 1895

DEAR MR. GANDHI,

I am much obliged to you for your papers on the Indian Marchers.

Yours truly, harry EscombE

m. k. Gandhi Esq.

S.N. 694

1 Sir Harry Escombe (1838-99) who was the Premier of Natal in 1897 and an Attorney-General pleaded for M. K. Gandhi’s admission to the Bar of the Natal Supreme Court.

Letter from W. C. Wilcox 69

71. LETTER FROM CHRISTOPHER WALSH, Private Secretary to natal Governor

GovErnmEnt housE, natal


I am directed by His Excellency to acknowledge your letter of 17th instant1 forwarding a copy of your pamphlet on the Indian Franchise2.


Yours obedient servant, christophEr walsh

privatE sEcrEtary

m. k. Gandhi Esq.

S.N. 695

72. LETTER FROM W. C. WILCOX

mapumulo3

December 27, 1895


DEAR SIR,

I have received two copies of your pamphlet on the Indian Franchise4, and it gives me pleasure to thank you for the masterly way that you have treated the subject. While, as you know, my work does not bring me much in contact with Indians or the question of their suffrage, as I have no vote myself I am not as much interested in the subject as I otherwise might be. But

1 This letter is not available.2 Refer, “The Indian Franchise”, CWMG, Vol. 1, pp. 266-290.3 Mapumulo is a town in Ugu District Municipality in the KwaZulu-Natal,

South Africa.4 Refer, “Indian Franchise”, CWMG Vol. 1, pp. 266-290.


I like to see justice done to all of God’s creatures, But the way I hear many talking about this question and the native question is not justice. As I have said I think you have given a very good answer indeed to the partisans who are now so loudly declaiming against the Indian franchise. Most of the points you have …1 simply unanswerable. But I think that your fourth point must seem weak to both the friends and the enemies to the progress and the enlightenment of the natives. Every true friend of the native must see that this country belonged to the natives from whom it was taken without their consent, it certainly seems no more than fair that they should have some sort of representation in the legislation of the country especially if suffrage is granted to foreigners who are no higher in the social order. By that I do not mean that the natives as a whole who are as far advanced in civilization and capable of franchise as any of the Indians. I think this will be agreed to by the opponents of native progress although of course they will use it for a different purpose. I think you would have done better to come out boldly and say as I think you believe, “Certainly the natives ought to have the franchise on the same conditions that anybody else has it.” I think there should be certain educational and property qualifications, all and all should be given an equal chance to get an education and otherwise qualify themselves for the duty of the franchise.

The talk about this being a “white man’s country” is the veriest rot that was ever uttered, and it is amazing that anyone who pretends to any degree of enlightenment and Christianity should ever give utterance to such sentiments. In today’s Mercury2 I read that it is a principle of free governments that there should be no taxation without representation. But here the natives and the Indians may be burdened with taxation and they have nothing to do but to submit. This is but another form of slavery. It was against this that my forefathers fought and bled and at last obtained their liberty. May God help you and your people to get the same.

Yours sincerely, w. c. wilcox

S.N. 707

1 Damaged in the source.2 Natal Mercury then a leading daily of Durban, founded in 1852.

Letter from Baker And Lindsay 71

73. LETTER FROM H. L. MASON, Protector of immiGrantS

officE of protEctor of immiGrants durban

natal January 13, 1896

to mr. m. k. Gandhi advocatE durban

DEAR SIR,

Wages have this day been paid to Mr. Bailey’s Indians at my office.

Yours faithfully, h. l. mason

protEctor of immiGrants

S.N. 729

74. LETTER FROM BAKER AND LINDSAY

prEtoriaJanuary [20], 1896

mr. adv. Gandhi box 66 durban

Indian [Merchant]

DEAR SIR,

We sincerely regret not having been able to attend to yours of 29th November1 last at an earlier date. But with Mr. Baker retiring from the firm and the intervention of the holidays and the war we have been very much pressed for time.

9 O’clock rule. This is not applied to Indians who move about unmolested after that hour. The rule itself is meant for natives.



Locations. The several Resolution (of which we enclose translations) refer to the carrying and of a part of clause of Law No.3-1885 whereby Government acquires the …1 of pointing and location sites to the Indians of the towns. It appears that Government has always been rather negligent on the Subject. The Volksraad has repeatedly instructed the Government to enforce the law but as a matter of fact, it has never been done and even now the Indians reside in the towns and carry on business.

Circular of 1893. This is the last of the above mentioned Resolutions.

Johannesburg Pretoria location. These were probably pointed out in 1890 after the Resolution of the 17th of May of that year.

Footpaths Regulation. We are unable to get you this having searched in vain through the Government Gazette and Ordinance Books. None of the solicitors have it, nor could we get it at the State Secretary’s Office.

We would advise you to write to Adolf, the Secretary of the … direct, as our doing so would only … you in considerable expense.

There are some further sundry regulations referring to the maintenance etc. of … location at Johannesburg, but as … considerably protract so we shall … your further instructions.

Yours faithfully, bakEr and lindsay

Memo Enclosed … … …

S.N. 994




f. no. 691 in your rEly plEasE rEfEr to no. l 280/234/96

natal GovErnmEnt railways GEnEral manaGEr’s officE

labour 7 policE dEpartmEnt January 22, 1896

DEAR SIR,

I have to thank you for bringing this matter to my notice, and will inquire into it. If any man considers he has grievance so far as leave is concerned he should come to me. No leave is required to go to the river on Sundays. In future will you kindly take the names and numbers of men complaining to you, so as to facilitate inquiry into their grievance[s].

I am Dear sir,

Faithfully yours, a. E. hammonds chiEf labour clErk


S.N. 3618


76. LETTER FROM O. J. ASKEW 1

o. j. askEw solicitor & convEyancEr mErcury lanE

durbanJanuary 24, 1896


Re Sale of Property Umgeni Road2

DEAR SIR,

Referring to your offer to purchase this property for £ 1200 cash I have submitted the same to my client and I am glad to inform you that after consideration he consents to accept your offer.

As usual the purchaser will pay cost of transfer.There is a Bond or two over the property but one or I

dare say both would consent to accept payment of same but that will be a matter of negotiation.

Will you clear the transfer or would you like me to do it?Your early reply closing the matter will oblige.

Yours truly, o. j. askEw

S.N. 3619

1 Oswald James Askew, an attorney and a Wesleyan minister had a long association with M. K. Gandhi. Gandhi had persuaded him to take on the indentured labourer Balasundaram ‘out of charity’ when the latter was ill treated by his European master. This was the first case of an indentured labourer that Gandhi had taken on. Refer, An Autobiography or The Story of My Experiments with Truth, CWMG Vol. 39, p. 126.

2 The property belonged to Nidha, a free Indian woman, was bought for the office of Natal Indian Congress.

Letter from the Office of the Town Clerk 75

77. LETTER FROM THE OFFICE OF THE TOWN CLERK

town clErk’s officE durban

natal February 1, 1896

to m. k. Gandhi Esq., advocatE, durban

DEAR SIR,

With reference to your letter addressed to His Worship the Mayor applying to him on behalf of one R. Appasamy Pather for permission to perform a religious ceremony tomorrow at which music is indispensable.

I have to inform you that the Mayor concurs in the decision of the Superintendent of Police and myself as already communicated to you verbally, viz. that the application cannot be granted. The Mayor desires me to state, however, that he will bring the matter before the Council with a view to getting their decision on what may possibly become a serious cause of complaint to Burgesses living in the vicinity of the Commercial Road.

Yours faithfully, t. j. canninGs

for actinG town clErk

S.N. 730


78. LETTER FROM O. J. ASKEW

o. j. askEw, solicitor & convEyancEr

mErcury lanE durban

February 1, 1896


Re Sale of property Nidha to Congress.

DEAR SIR,

I am now in a position to get the Title Deeds of this property and understand from Mr. Evan’s partner that they are willing to accept payment on Bond in consideration of receiving a bonus of £ 15.

On receipt of Deeds I will forward them to you when I shall be glad if you will proceed to draw the papers.


attornEy for nidha

S.N. 731

Letter from O. J. Askew 77


o. j. askEw solicitor & convEyancEr

mErcury lanE durban

February 6, 1896


DEAR SIR,

I am in receipt of your from herein of yesterday.1 On behalf of your clients you made me a definite offer of £ 1500, which my client accepted, (see my previous letter2), and I regret to note that your clients now wish to input a new condition of along which was as part of the original offer, and which I am bound to declare to recognise. I object to it now being imparted into the matter. It is quite clear that it is an after thought. As I have already said I shall do my best to get the lease for your clients, but in doing so, it must be distinctly …3 that … no part of the agreement, and is entirely optional on my part. I will do this with a desire to meet the wishes of your clients, but I don’t without prejudice to the sale in any way.

… …4

I have had as reply from … … .I am truly,

o. j. askEw

S.N. 736

1 This letter is not available.2 This letter is not available.3 Damaged in the source.4 Not deciphered.


80. LETTER FROM HEADMASTER OF BOYS’ MODEL PRIMARY SCHOOL, DURBAN

hEad mastEr boys’ modEl primary school

durbanFebruary 7, 1896

to m. k. Ghandi1

SIR,

At a meeting of the Council of Education held in May 1894, it was resolved that “where other facilities for their Education was provided, Indian children should only be admitted to Government Schools after they have exhausted the resources of their own school, subsidized on their behalf by the government.”

I may have admitted an Indian boy in September last who did not fulfil the above conditions, as I am always disposed to encourage a promising lad of any race.

Your obedient servant, Sd.

S.N. 739

81. LETTER FROM K. V. KHARE

bombayFebruary 11, 1896

DEAR SIR,

I have been watching with the greatest zeal your movements in the foreign land and indeed I am right glad to observe one of our countrymen sensible of his Duty and striving his every nerve, showing every kind of sympathy and working from heart and soul even at the cost of his precious life towards the welfare of his countrymen. India wants for such people like you. I pray to the Almighty to crown you with success. Our rulers are

1 As in the source.

Letter from Headmaster of Boys’ Model Primary School 79

very kind and shrewd but we shall not get anything from them unless we ask for it.

By the by I received a copy of printed “Appeal to every Briton in South Africa” by book post. You intended to send the copy to Hon. Mr. Bal Gangadhar Tilak M.L.C. Poona, but the packet was wrongly addressed and it came to our firm in Bombay. However I have forwarded the copy to Mr. Bal Gangadhar Tilak at Poona. It was in the same manner I received a letter from you which was also forwarded to Mr. Bal Gangadhar Tilak. So now I wish to inform you of the correct address of the Honourable gentleman whom you intend to send your letters directly.The address runs thus: —honourablE mr. bal GanGadhar tilak m. l. c. Editor kEsari & maratha poona city

Please excuse me for my playing intruder.I am,

Yours very sincerely, k. v. kharE

manaGEr, s. m. tilak & company 92 kalbadEvi road

bombay

S.N. 743

82. LETTER FROM HEADMASTER OF BOYS’ MODEL PRIMARY SCHOOL1

boys’ modEl schoolFebruary 11, 1896

mr. Gandhi

DEAR SIR,

Your protégé is eligible for admission to this school and I have entered him in a suitable class where every chance of advancing himself will be offered to him.

Yours obedient servant, Sd.

S.N. 744

1 Refer, S.N. 739 “Letter from Headmaster of Boys’ Model Primary School, Durban” (7-2-1896), p. 78.


83. LETTER FROM THE NATAL GOVERNMENT RAILWAYS

f. no. 742 no. s. 747


durban February 20, 1896

DEAR SIR,

Re. Indians complaint

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter of 19th instant1 on the above mentioned subject, which shall have my best attention.

I am, Dear sir,

Yours truly, Sd.

assistant GEnEral manaGEr

mr. m. k. Gandhi advocatE durban

S.N. 749


Letter from Christopher Walsh, Acting Secretary For Zululand 81

84. LETTER FROM CHRISTOPHER WALSH, actinG Secretary for ZUlUland

v. z. 178-96 zululand no. 25

GovErnmEnt housE piEtErmaritzburG

natalFebruary 27, 1896

SIR,

In reply to your letter of 26th instant1 forwarding a memorial from the Indian Community in Durban with regard to the recently published rules for the Nondweni2 Township, I am directed by His Excellency the Governor to inform you that the regulations to which you refer are the same as the regulations in force for the Eshowe Township proclaimed by His Excellency’s predecessor on 28th September 1891.


Your obedient servant, c. walsh

actinG sEcrEtary for zululand.


S.N. 756

1 Refer “Memorial to Natal Governor”, CWMG Vol. 1, pp. 295-297, February 26, 1896.

2 Nondweni is under Nquthu Local Municipality an administrative area in the Umzinyathi District of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.


85. LETTER FROM ACTING SECRETARY FOR ZULULAND

zululand no. 36


natal March 5, 1896

SIR,

I am directed by the Governor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 4th instant1, suggesting that the Governor should order the alteration or amendment of the Regulations with regard to the Townships of Eshowe2 and Nondweni.

2. In reply, I am to inform you that the Governor does not feel justified in acting on your suggestion.


Your most obedient servant, h. G. watson

for actinG sEcrEtary for zululand


S.N. 773

1 Refer, “Letter to C. Walsh”, CWMG Vol. 1, p. 301.2 Eshowe is the oldest town of European settlement in Zululand.

Letter from Acting Secretary For Zululand 83


zululand no. 40


natal March 7, 1896

SIR,

In reply to your letter of yesterday1, I have the honour to inform you that the Township of Melmoth2 was laid out by the owner of the farm on which it is situated. Erven3 were sold on conditions published by the seller. The Government has not seen those conditions, and no copy of them is on record in this office.




m. k. Gandhi, Esq, durban

S.N. 785

1 Refer, “Letter to Secretary for Zululand”, CWMG Vol. 1, p. 302.2 Melmoth is a small town situated in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The

town was established in the Mthonjaneni district after the annexation of Zululand by the United Kingdom in 1887 and was named after Sir Melmoth Osborn.

3 Erven a plural of ERF which means a plot of urban land marked off for building purposes.



o. j. askEw solicitor and convEyancEr

durbanMarch 11, 1896


Re Rutherpaul’s Property

DEAR SIR,

The party who promises to take this lease does not come forward and as the thing must now be settled at once, my client is willing to meet your Congress by making a reduction of £ 50, which means that he will make the £ 1150 for it. This is only with a view to an immediate conclusion of the sale and this offer only holds good till tomorrow at 4 p.m.

If your clients will not take the property at that price please return me the title deeds as I must now have the matter settled one way or another.


S.N. 795



o. j. askEw solicitor & convEyancEr

Re Umgeni Road Property

mErcury lanE durban

[March 13, 1896] 1


DEAR SIR,

I am in receipt of your favour2 of …3 in reply to mine of the 11th instant4 herein … … in view of the fact that my client is willing to obtain a lessee of the property, as stipulated you, you now offer the sum of £ 1080 for the property.

I have submitted this offer to my client and on his behalf I am instructed to accept your offer of £ 1080 for the same, payment to be made on signing of documents.

I enclose herewith the Title Deeds and shall be glad if you will draw Declaration for seller and Power of Attorney and let us have them first thing in the morning as I have arranged for the seller to call at my office at 10 o’clock tomorrow to sign same.


S.N. 803

1 From Sabarmati Ashram’s archival database entry.2 This letter is not available.3 Damaged in the source.4 Refer, S.N. 795 “Letter from O. J. Askew” (11-3-1896), p. 84.


89. LETTER FROM A. S. DORASAMY PILLAY 1

kimbErlyMarch 13, 1896

mr. m. k. Gandhi Esq., advocatE

DEAR SIR,

In reply to your of 24th January 2 (a …)3 through indisposed been unable to answer I beg to state … supply cutting of all matter. I have for you unremittedly … myself on behalf of Indian population … South Africa.

But as the … of these material entail at least four or five days of increasing labour, I should feel prepared to supply the same to you if you will remit £ 5 to procure the information. … of course I … to take trouble to go there. The copies from the various sources in which the articles first saw the light. Papers in England, … and South Africa giving currency to my expressions bearing on the franchise & other burning questions of the day.

Awaiting your reply at earliest opportunity,I may remain,

a. s. dorasamy pillay

S.N. 804

90. LETTER FROM GEORGE MARTIN

avoca hospitalMarch 18, 1896

m. k. Gandhi Esq.,

DEAR SIR,

I wish to have a few minutes conversation with you concerning Indians in Natal for whom you seem to devote much of your

1 A member of the Natal Indian Congress.2 This letter is not available.3 Damaged in the source.

Letter from N. Cathcart Nicholls 87

time. I wish you to let me know if it pleases you, at what hour during day that I could call upon you?

Yours faithfully, GEorGE martin

addrEss GEo.1 martin officEr in charGE indian hospital avoca

S.N. 807

91. LETTER FROM N. CATHCART NICHOLLS

privatE

136 smith strEEt durban

March 19, 1896

m. k. Gandhi Esq. advocatE fiEld strEEt

DEAR SIR,

In the matter of Nidha’s Property

As doubtless you are aware I am the agent of Nepaulsing to whom the above property practically belongs — I have advanced him large sums of money besides endorsing and guaranteeing bills on his account with several of the leading merchants here — I gather from the man that he has been made an offer of £ 1080 Stg. by you as chairman of Congress for said property, and that he refused the offer, as he wanted £ 1200 Stg.

The Property at present is bringing a monthly income of £ 12 Stg. but up to the end of last month £ 13.10.0 — two rooms now being unoccupied which doubtless however will be soon let again. Apart from the above rentals accruing there is the shop and room at the back of shop to be accounted for, and for which recently he had an offer of £ 4 Stg. Monthly- this as you see would bring the rental, if the lot were fully occupied up to

1 As in the original.


£ 17.10.0 Stg monthly. Now seeing your Congress is purchasing with the view of a good and profitable investment could you not see your way to make a slight advance on he £ 1080 Stg. Say £ 1100 Stg and I think, I can induce, Nidha to accept such offer — the legal work required in the cancellation of the Bonds of course would go through your hands.

I shall be obliged by your favouring me with a reply during the course of the day.

Yours faithfully, n. cathcart nicholls

S.N. 3622




March 20, 1896SIR,

I have the honour to inform you that the Governor has received a Despatch from the Colonial Office, dated 21st ultimo, requesting that you may be informed that the Secretary of State has received your letter of the 17 th January last1, enclosing a copy of your pamphlet entitled “The Indian Franchise”2.





S.N. 808

1 These letters are not available.2 Refer, CWMG Vol. 1, pp. 266-290.

Letter from Acting Secretary For Zululand 89


zululand no. 47


natalMarch 21, 1896

SIR,

I have the honour to inform you, in reply to your letter of the 13th instant1, that Indians are not required to take out passes in Zululand, and that the authority to grant or refuse trading licenses is, by the law of the Territory, vested in the Chief Magistrate or a Resident Magistrate.

The purchase of Erven does not entitle the owner to a trading license.




m. k. Gandhi, Esq., durban

S.N. 813



94. LETTER FROM GEORGE MARTIN

cEntral indian hospital avoca

March 21, 1896

m. k. Gandhi Esq.,

DEAR SIR,

I thank you very much for your kind reply which was a welcomely letter.

I will call at your office to see you (a great anxiety) the first time that I am down in Durban. Most probably this would be about the beginning of the next month.

Faithfully yours, GEorGE martin

S.N. 816



March 25, 1896SIR,

I am directed to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 24th instant1, taking exception to the use of the word “aboriginal” as applied to Indian Immigrants.



m. k. Gandhi, Esq., advocatE, cEntral wEst strEEt, durban

c. s. o. 35S.N. 815






March 28, 1896SIR,

With reference to your letter of the 24th instant1, calling attention to the term “aboriginal” as applied to Indians, made use of in the Draft Bill to amend and consolidate the Liquor Laws, I have the honour to inform you that your communication has been referred to the Attorney-General, who states that the word “aboriginal” occurring in this Draft Bill, may be omitted.




m. k. Gandhi, Esq., cEntral wEst strEEt, durban

S.N. 828



97. LETTER FROM CROWN DANSIE

crown dansiE convEyancEr, public accountant, auditor GEnEral aGEnt & co. p. officE box 54

filEd strEEt durban

March 30, 1896


DEAR SIR,

Re 155 Umgeni Road

Replying to your inquiry, this property was insured in my office July 95 by Nidha, the then owner for £ 800. It was also insured by the Bondholder Mr. M.S. Evans in another office, at same time, consequently I was applied to cancel my policy, which I did.

Yours faithfully, crown dansiE

aGEnt

S.N. 831



natalApril 1, 1896

SIR,

I am directed to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 30th ultimo1, asking that your thanks may be conveyed to the Hon’ble the Attorney General, for his action in omitting


Letter from Office of ‘India’ 93

the word aboriginal from the Bill to amend and consolidate the Liquor Laws.



m. k. Gandhi, Esq., cEntral wEst strEEt, durban.

c. s. o. 35S.N. 836

99. LETTER FROM OFFICE OF ‘INDIA’ 1

tElEGraphic addrEss: — “incas2, london.” “india” nEw sEriEs

81-85, palacE chambErs wEstminstEr london, s.w.April 1, 1896

m. k. Gandhi Esq.

DEAR SIR,

Thanks for your remittance of six shillings, sub: to India for 1896. Copies of March-April no.s are sent by this mail. By the by, several of your Indian friends in Natal have not sent their subs. for this year. With regards to your enquiry as to Lord Cross “Act” the Rules thereon The Indian Municipalities act, I have to inform you that I have made inquiries at the most likely places here and am able to send you a copy of the act of 1892 only. I am told that the Rules vary in the different Provinces in India. That these rules and also the Municipalities Bill are to be obtained in India. I should think the Government Publishers in Calcutta would be the best place to apply to. The

1 India, established in 1890 was an organ of the Indian National Congress.2 Telegraphic address of the British Committee of the Indian National

Congress in London.


cost of the copy of Lord Cross’ act is as small that I will not trouble you for a remittance.

I am sorry that I am unable to give you the whole of the information you ask for, but you see the circumstances are against my so doing.

Yours truly, w. douGlastall

S.N. 837


f. no. 768 in your rEly plEasE rEfEr to no. b 9387/95


durban April 7, 1896

mr. m. k. Gandhi durban.

DEAR SIR,

I am duly in receipt of your favour of 4th instant1 …2 In reply [I] beg to inform you that Mr. Middelberg had returned to Pretoria before the receipt of your letter, but I am not aware of any recent difficulty in the issue of 1st or 2nd class tickets to Indians travelling to Johannesburg or Pretoria.

Yours truly, j. m. huntEr

assistant manaGEr

S.N. 846


Letter from William Edward Pitcher 95


o. j. askEw solicitor and convEyancEr

durbanApril 9, 1896


Re Nidha’s Property

DEAR SIR,

Will you please let me know whether your clients agree to let Nidha take away the Tank from the Umgeni Road Property. It is a matter of little importance to them.


S.N. 851

102. LETTER FROM WILLIAM EDWARD PITCHER

maritzburGApril 11, 1896

m. k. Gandhi Esq. durban.

Indian Congress Transfer

DEAR SIR,

I have your letter with cheque + deeds & the matter has attention.

Yours truly, william Edward pitchEr

S.N. 862



piEtErmaritzburG April 15, 1896


Re. Indian Congress Transfer

DEAR SIR,

The Registrar of Deeds …1 at the exemption claimed by you on this transfer because he thinks that when exemption is given there should be a specific statement in the deeds and subsidiary documents of the trusts on which the claim to exemption is proved.

It seems doubtful if the claim can be substantiated because under your rules political objects become one of the trusts — However if you think fit to alter your deeds etc. in the way required by the Registrar of Deeds the matter will probably be referred to the Attorney General for his ruling.


S.N. 871

1 Not deciphered..

Letter from William R. Hindson 97

104. LETTER FROM WILLIAM R. HINDSON

r. hindson & co limitEd officEs & warEhousE 350, smith strEEt p. o. box 257, durban

clifton tEa EstatE nonoti natal

April 22, 1896


DEAR SIR,

I am much obliged for your letter1 of the 16th and thank you for your endeavours to procure us a suitable teacher for the proposed school for Indians on our Estates.

With reference to your question as to whether we would be prepared to accept a volunteer — will you kindly let me know with more particularity what you mean by a ‘volunteer’. What position the said volunteer would expect to take on the Estates and what our responsibility would be on his account — of course anyone coming on to the Estates would have to be guided by — in a great measure — the Estate manager, and be willing to be amenable to his wishes. A capable, earnest and truthful man would get every encouragement and every reasonable attention paid to his comfort.

Yours faithfully, william r. hindson

S.N. 885



105. LETTER FROM M. LEUCHARS

durbanApril 27, 1896

m. k. Gandhi Esq, durban

DEAR SIR,

Replying to your letter covering petition for presentation to the Legislative Assembly1, I regret to inform you that I am not to be in attendance there this week — but if next week will suit you I can then undertake to present the petition.

Yours faithfully, m. lEuchars

S.N. 897

106. LETTER FROM CHRISTOPHER WALSH, actinG Secretary for ZUlUland

zululand no. 61

GovErnmEnt housE natal

April 28, 1896SIR,

I have the honour to inform you that the Petition of certain Indians in Durban in reference to the recently published Rules & Regulations as to the sale and disposal of Erven in the Township of Nondweni has been duly forwarded to the Secretary of State for the Colonies.


Your obedient servant, christophEr walsh

actinG sEcrEtary for zulus

m. k. Gandhi Esq.

S.N. 898

1 Refer, “Memorial to Natal Legislative Assembly”, CWMG Vol. 1, pp. 312-318.



maritzburGApril 29, 1896

m. k. Gandhi durban

DEAR SIR,

Indian Congress

Herewith this deed which I managed to get completed today — the R/D accepted the signatures which were collected with power of attorney — I also send the antecedent with …1 … those cancelled bonds —

I send you a memo of the fees — I will make up and send you a separate account showing how we … and tomorrow — it is now late.


S.N. 904



108. LETTER FROM G. J. HOUSE

impErial hotEl maritzburG

April 30, 1896

mr. Ghandi1

DEAR SIR,

Mr. Hudson, of Nonoti Peak2, has forwarded to the two letters which he has received from you about Indian Education on the Tea Estates.

I am also interested in the matter — and should be glad to meet you as I pass through Durban some time within the next fortnight.

My husband is the non-conformist Minister in Stanger …3 the responsibility … any young lady coming as teacher to the Indian school would feel for one. I should like to know a little more of the subject — and ten minutes conversation would be of more value than several letters.

The Home for native girls near the Railway Station would be most convenient one and should your time permit, I will let you know the day and how I shall be able to go there.

I am, Sincerely yours, G. j. housE

S.N. 908

1 As in the source.2 Nonoti Peak is a farm in KwaZulu-Natal, situated between Highlands

and Nonoti.3 Damaged in the source.

Letter from William Wilson Hunter 101

109. LETTER FROM MINISTER OF LANDS AND WORKS, NATAL

l & w 1222/96ministEr of lands and works


May 12, 1896SIR,

In reply to your letter of the 9th instant1, asking if the Government will sell certain land in Lower Illovo, I have the honour to inform you that it is the intention of the Government to put this land into the market as soon as the railway has opened up this district.


Your most obedient servant, Sd.

ministEr of lands and works

m. k. Gandhi Esq., p. o. box 66, durban

S.N. 942

110. LETTER FROM WILLIAM WILSON HUNTER

oakEn holt nEar oxfordMay 13, 1896

DEAR SIR,

I duly received your telegram of the 7th May2, and have taken such action as is possible in absence of information regarding

1 This letter is not available.2 “Cable to J. Chamberlain”, CWMG Vol. 1, p. 318. Footnote 2 on page 318

explains that a similar cable was also sent to W. W. Hunter.


the Franchise Bill1 complained of. On receipt of the Memorial I shall carefully consider what future steps are practicable.

I had a long interview with the Secretary of State for India2 a fortnight ago on the grievances of British Indian subjects in South Africa. He was much interested, and I laid before him an exact account of their status in the Transvaal, Natal and the Orange Free State. He expressed his sympathy, but mentioned the difficulty of adding further elements of disturbance at the present moment to our complications in South Africa.

I have great hope that justice will in the end be done. But it will I fear, be done somewhat slowly. You have a good cause; but it has unfortunately got mixed up in English opinion with the monotone of complaint made by the Indian Congress party. I myself sympathize with much in the Congress Movement. Yet I cannot help thinking that any really good cause, like that of the British Indian subjects in South Africa suffers in England from being too prominently connected with the Congress platform.

You have only to take up your position strongly in order to be successful. That position is that the British Indian subjects in South Africa are, alike in our own Colonies and in independent friendly States, being deprived of their status as British subjects guaranteed to them by the Sovereign and the British Parliament.

Please address letters or telegrams to me at Oxford as your telegrams are re-directed and involve some needless charges.

Wishing you all success in your public-spirited labours.I am,

Faithfully yours, w. w. huntEr

m. k. Gandhi Esq. S.N. 948 & 3624

1 “The Indian Franchise”, CWMG Vol. 1, pp. 266-290.2 Joseph Chamberlain.

Letter from F. A. Laughton 103




May 16, 1896SIR,

In answer to your letter to the Prime Minister of the 14th instant1, respecting certain words reported as having been made use of by him, on the Second Reading of the Franchise Bill, with reference to the Natal Indian Congress, I am desired by Sir John Robinson to state that in speaking of that Congress as practically a secret body, he did so under the belief that meetings of the Congress are not open to the public and the Press.

If the Prime Minister has been misinformed on this point, I am to state that he will be glad to be corrected on the subject.




mr. m. k. Gandhi, durban

S.N. 962 & 982

112. LETTER FROM F. A. LAUGHTON 2

durbanMay 16, 1896

DEAR MR. GANDHI,

I have to thank you for sending me papers etc. regarding the government institutions of India — You have sent me a copy of the Act to amend the Indian Councils Act 1861 but not the

1 Refer, “Letter to Prime Minister” CWMG Vol. 1, p. 318.2 Frederick Augustus Laughton the well-known advocate of Durban, the

Solicitor for Dada Abdulla & Co., formerly a Partner of A. W. Baker accompanied


Act of 1861. Could you let me have a copy of it? I would like to read up the question tomorrow.

Yours very truly, f. a. lauGhton

S.N. 963

113. LETTER FROM F. A. LAUGHTON

durbanMay 18, 1896

DEAR MR. GANDHI,

I do not find in the Indians’ petition to parliament any elective representative non legislative institution founded on the parliamentary franchise.

Don’t hurry to reply but if you can think of any I would like to have them.


S.N. 964


durbanMay 18, 1896

DEAR MR. GANDHI,

I enclose a form of letter which I intend to send to some newspaper — would you mind looking through it to see if I have made any mistake in facts.

I would like to see the regulations made under Section of Act 55 & 56 Vic. C. 14:

Are there any non legislative elective representative institutions in India founded on its parliamentary franchise? I think there must be.


S.N. 965

M. K. Gandhi on 13-1-1897 — the day Gandhi assaulted by the white mob at Durban.

Letter from G. J. House 105

115. LETTER FROM G. J. HOUSE

thE …1 stanGEr2

May 20, 1896

m. k. Gandhi Esq.,

DEAR SIR,

I am in need of an Indian who has passed 3rd or 4th standard in a Government school or who is capable of teaching children from four to ten years of age — also to teach men reading, writing & arithmetic for an hour in the evening — all the scholars will be mere beginners & have to learn the alphabet. The work is purely secular & not at present, connected with a mission. I have already opened one such school & give the teacher £ 2-0-0 a month. I have funds sufficient to promise another £ 2 — of course quite a youth would do & the money would be increased as the fees became more. I am inclined to think it will be wiser to have regular Indian teachers for the schools in order to gain the Government grant — Mr. Spencer’s ladies can visit, teach sewing & scripture. I have more time for the mothers if left free from regular teaching. I notice you have passed through Stanger sometimes. Should you do so again, I have time, I shall be pleased if you will call — I am interested in your country and the many problems that arise in connection with the people it sends to Natal. Most probably you may be able to give me information that may be useful to me in my efforts to benefit your countrymen.

I am, Sincerely yours, G. j. housE

S.N. 970

1 Not deciphered.2 Stanger, a town of KwaZulu-Natal has been changed in 2006 and presently

known as KwaDukuza.


116. LETTER FROM DADABHAI NAOROJI

cambridGE lodGE wEst hill road

May 21, 1896DEAR MR. GANDHI,

I enclose my first letter to Mr. Chamberlain of 16th April1 last, and his reply of 25th April2 relating to Natal Franchise Bill. I also enclose my letter to Mr. C3 of 10th instant4 and his reply of 16th 5 after receiving your telegram on the same subject. Sir W. Wedderburn also has received your telegram and it was handed to me on behalf of the British Committee6. I am glad that your memorial will be considered and no action or decision will be taken before it is received or considered.

Yours truly, dadabhai naoroji

m. k. Gandhi Esq. cEntral wEst strEEt durban natal

S.N. 973

1 This letter is not available.2 This letter is not available.3 Joseph Chamberlain4 This letter is not available.5 This letter is not available.6 Refer, “Letter to Dadabhai Naoroji”, CWMG Vol. 1, pp. 302-303. Also

see, “Letter to W. Wedderburn”, CWMG Vol. 1, p. 303. Also, “Memorial to J. Chamberlain”, CWMG Vol. 1, pp. 304-307.



oakEn holt nEar oxfordMay 22, 1896

DEAR MR. GANDHI,

Since writing to you last I have again communicated with the Secretary of State for the Colonies in regard to the new Franchise Law of Natal. He assures me that the memorial of the British Indian subjects in that Colony will receive full consideration on its reaching him.

I am, Very truly yours,

w. w. huntEr

m. k. Gandhi Esq.

S.N. 985



natalMay 29, 1896

SIR,

I am directed to acknowledge the receipt of your letter1 to His Excellency the Governor forwarding three copies of a Memorial signed by certain Indians for transmission to the Secretary of State for the Colonies.



m. k. Gandhi, Esq., durban

c. s. o. 35S.N. 990

1 Refer, “Memorial to J. Chamberlain”, CWMG Vol. 1, pp. 321-338.


119. TELEGRAM FROM ADAMJI 1 AND RUSTOMJI 2

June 5, 1896to m. k. Gandhi Esq.,

CARE PARSEE IDULJI OR STEAMER POUGOLO

DRAFT POSTED POWER READY ARTICLE SATISFACTORY

adamji and rustomaji

S.N. 1007

120. LETTER FROM C. BIRD, PrinciPal Under Secretary 3105/96


natal June 16, 1896

SIR,

I have the honour to inform you that the petition signed by certain Indians, on the subject of the Act to amend the Law relating to the Franchise3, recently passed by the Natal Parliament, forwarded with your letter of the 28th ultimo4 to the Governor, has been transmitted by His Excellency to the Secretary of State for the Colonies.




m. k. Ghandi5 Esq. durban

S.N. 1010

1 Adamji Miankhan, a merchant.2 Parsi Rustomaji, Indian merchant of Natal, took prominent part in M. K.

Gandhi’s Satyagraha in South Africa. He risked his life and property and gave refuge to Gandhi and his family when the white mob attacked him in Durban.

3 “The Indian Franchise”, CWMG Vol. 1, pp. 266-290.4 Refer, “Letter to C. Bird”, CWMG Vol. 1, p. 320.5 As in the source.

Letter from Dadabhai Naoroji 109



southfiElds, londonAugust 13, 1896

DEAR SIR,

I duly received your letter of 29th instant1 last as well as copy of the petitions. I thereupon wrote the following letter on the 3rd July to Mr. Chamberlain to which I have not received any reply yet.

“You were good enough to say in your reply of 16th May last (No. 10 108/96) that when the memorial of the British Indian subjects resident in Natal carries to hand you would duly consider with regard to their exclusion from their franchise is contemplated in the Franchise law Amendment bill read a third time in the Natal Legislative Assembly on the 13th of May2 last.”

This memorial of which I enclose a copy doubtless you have already received it appears to me conclusive as to the expediency of accepting the proposed enactment and I hope and believe that you will take the same view of the case. The matter is very important and involves principles that will have far reaching and most undesirable results, and that on contrary to the whole …3 … and constitution and of what British Imperial rule ought to be. An Imperial rule of advancement and emancipation towards the British citizenship certainly not retrogress like this one. Disruptive and dissatisfying instead of … and satisfying in its consequences.


m. k. Gandhi Esq. durban natal

S.N. 1043

1 This letter is not available.2 Refer, “Memorial to J. Chamberlin”, CWMG Vol. 1, p. 321.3 Not deciphered.




southfiElds, london, s.w.August 27, 1896

DEAR SIR,

I have received Mr. Chamberlain’s reply to my letter of 3rd July ultimo of which I enclose copy1. I am sorry it is unsatisfactory and full consideration is in my opinion not given to the justice of your memorial2. I dare say this decision has been already known on your side by telegram.


m. k. Gandhi Esq. cEntral wEst st. durban natal

S.N. 1070

1 This is not available.2 Refer, “Memorial to J. Chamberlain”, CWMG Vol. 1, pp. 321-338.

A Letter 111

123. A LETTER

madrasOctober 27, 1896

MY DEAR SIR,

I send you here the enclosed.4 Telegraphic receipts and the balance of Rs. 1-8-0 and of

Rs. 20 given by you. The receipts are as follows:To Allahabad 3-11-0To Lahore 3-11-0To Bombay and 1 copy extra 4-07-0To Calcutta and 4 copies extra 6-11-0 --------- 18-08-0Balance send herein 01-08-0 ---------- 20-00-01

What more should I add …2 to wish you success Good bye once more.

Yours regards, Sd.

S.N. 1216

1 As in the source.2 Not deciphered.


124. LETTER FROM PARSEE DORABJI BHICAJI 1

komatipoort s[outh] a[frican] r[Epublic]

November 25, 1896

mr. m. k. Ghandhi2 advocatE durban

DEAR SIR,

I was told by a friend of mine from Delagoa Bay that a pamphlet of appeal and address of the grievances of the British Indians in South Africa3 are worth reading, and as I have read some of your pamphlets and open letters while I was in Durban about six months ago in Mr. Parsee Rustomji’s house, so I would like to read above, therefore you will be good enough to send me a copy of each such different appeals and addresses and a copy of your open letter 4 also to my following address, I am also interested in the same.

Also if any information will come into my notice from any newspapers regarding Indians I shall with great pleasure forward you copy.

Wishing you every success in your ventures.I remain,

Sir, Yours truly,

parsEE dorabji bhicaji

addrEss: parsEE dorabji bhicaji komatipoort s. a. r.

1 Parsi Dorabji the first Parsi to come in 1881 to the Transvaal established a number of hotels and stores in the Colony. When asked to detrain at Volksrust while presumably returning to the Colony after a temporary absence, he refused to give his thumb-impression under Act 2 of 1907. He pointed out — according to a contemporary newspaper report — that, under the Kruger Regime Parsis were treated at par with whites and claimed on that ground the right to be treated differently from other Asiatics.

2 As in the source.3 CWMG Vol. 2, pp. 2-35.4 CWMG Vol. 1, pp. 170-188.

Letter from A. D. Lewis 113

p. s.Please let me know the cost of all such pamphlets, and the

same will be sent to you immediately.Mr. Dinshaw Petit1 is here and he sends you his best

compliments, and accept mine at the same time and oblige.d. b. p.

S.N. 3637

125. LETTER FROM A. D. LEWIS

December 13, 1896


DEAR SIR,

“Lutchmansing”

(A free and intelligent Indian to whom you have been sending notices regularly) wishes me to say that he would be quite willing to attend your meetings of Congress provided you advised him in good … 2 … using a business of own to attend to — he must … make arrangements for … to take his place and unless you told him from 5 to 7 days before the day of meeting — he could not possibly put in an appearance.

Yours truly, a. d. lEwis

S.N. 684

1 Sir Dinshaw Petit (1873-1933) mill owner and merchant.2 Damaged in the source.



privatE

durbanJanuary 8, 1897 1

DEAR MR. GANDHI,

I take this opportunity of dropping you a line and letting you know how things are going. I don’t know when you will land but it appears to me that there will a great difficulty put in your way, whenever it happens. I don’t know if you see the newspaper but the public feeling against yourself, and the landing of the free Indians now in the …2 is so great, that I begin to doubt if you will … … … … … from the little I hear in the town, and what I read in the papers I doubt whether you could pass through the streets without being insulted. Whether there is right or wrong does not affect the fact. Rightly or wrongly you are charged with making statements in India about the Colony which are not correct and the public are very angry about it. I thought I should like to know what your movements will be, so that I can act accordingly — it may be that you can land and bear the brunt of public opinion or it may be that you may decide that for the present you will take some other course.

Up to the present I have continued to advise such of your clients as have called to come to me — I am not clear whether your arrangement with them ceases on December 31st. In any case I have done work for them this month for which I have charged you — my account against you till December 31st is £ 61 say sixty one pounds, and I suppose I have done about £ 4 this month. I have been expecting you back but should you see your way not to land, I thought it as well to know whether you wish me to continue the same arrangement or to charge your clients from this time, direct.

I should not have bothered to write but I have … … … … and should you not do so, I should like some definite understanding as to what business arrangement shall be made — I should like a reply for the bearer, failing which, and failing your

1 M. K. Gandhi returned with his family from India on s. s. Courland on 30-11-1896 and reached Durban harbour on 18-12-1896.



landing, I shall consider that your arrangement ceases with your clients on December 31st, and that from this date I must charge them direct for any work I do for them.

Should you not come into town, I should also be greatly convenienced [sic] if you could give me a cheque for the amount, as I have been dependent upon getting it at the end of the year and need the money — I enclose you herewith a blank cheque form for that purpose — it may be … do not land you would like to pay me then, a … wish me to continue to advise your clients until such time as you come in or it may be that if your arrangement with them terminates as I said on December 31st — that you would wish this arrangement to cease.

What I say of course only applies if you do not come in, and while I do not wish to give you a wrong impression or make things appear worse than they really are, still it appears to me that public opinion is at present so strong against you personally, that I doubt if your safety would be assured — I don’t think you would be hurt, but I certainly think you might be roughly handled — I have no wish to influence your movements and of course you will act as you think best, but I certainly shall like to hear what you propose.

Please let me have your reply today and if you are so disposed the cheque also.

With kind regards, Yours very truly, o. j. askEw

[p. s.]I have sent to your office 3 times today to see if I could

get any information about you but the place is locked up and your clerks are away.

o. j. a.S.N. 3638


127. LETTER FROM RICH C. ALEXANDER1


MY DEAR GANDHI,

I feel I ought not to accept from you the handsome present2 you have this day sent me, as you and others must feel, that I did but do my duty, as any honest man should do, under similar circumstances. I am very sorry indeed that I had not sufficient force at my back, to do that duty without inflicting upon you, and yours, a further degradation, by compelling you to escape the mob, in the disguise of one so very far beneath you, and for having to use so much deceit, to procure your safety, which I trust you and your people, will forgive, and that you like our own Prophet, where placed under a similar trial, will forgive your accusers, for they knew not what they did.

I accept your valuable present as a memento of the great trial you have undergone, and as a token of the friendship which always did, and will I trust continue between us. I hope that you and yours will endeavour to forget the past, and live long to assist me in my difficult task, to keep peace, with honour with all, and I feel it my duty, to acknowledge through you the exemplary conduct of your people, during the excitement of others, on your landing.

With kindest regards, I remain,

Yours sincerely, rich c. alExandEr

1 Mr. and Mrs. Alexander had intervened to save M. K. Gandhi’s life when he returned to South Africa from India. Gandhi landed on January 13, 1897 from s. s. Courland. He came ashore at 5 p.m. and was assaulted by section of Durban mob but escaped serious harm through the intervention of Mrs. Alexander, the Police Superintendent Mr. Alexander’s wife. Besieged later in Parsi Rustomji’s house was rescued by Police Superintendent R. C. Alexander by device of disguising him as an Indian constable and arranging an escort to take him to the police station.

2 The present mentioned is not listed in the CWMG, but for appreciation letter and present of later days by the Indian Community refer, “Letter to R. C. Alexander”, CWMG Vol. 2, pp. 229-230.

Letter from Jane Alexander 117

Excuse my wife writing this letter for me, my own writing is too difficult to read.

r. c. a.S.N. 1938

128. LETTER FROM JANE ALEXANDER


DEAR MR. GANDHI,

I accept with much pleasure the very handsome present1 I have today received from you, accompanied by your generous acknowledgement of the small services I may have rendered you at that terrible ordeal you mentioned, which I was so sorry, and pained to see you passing through. My only thought at the time was for your safety, and I feel I really ought not to accept anything, as my actions in the matter could in no way atone for the gross injustices done you by my countrymen, and I feel that to return your generous gift, would be but adding another insult, to the many you have had to endure since your return.

My sincere hope is that you and your family, will forget the past, and be spared in health to live in happiness for many years among us.

With kind regards, Believe me,

Sincerely yours, j. alExandEr

S.N. 1939

1 The present mentioned is not listed in the CWMG, but for appreciation letter and present of later days by the Indian Community refer, “Letter to Mrs. Alexander”, CWMG Vol. 2, p. 230.


129. LETTER FROM JOOSUB M. H. GOOL1

j. m. h. Gool tElEGraphic addrEss: “Gool” capE town baskEt manufacturEr fish curEr at hoEtjEs bay

25 church strEEt capE town

January 23, 1897

mr. Gandhi durban, natal

DEAR SIR,

I wish to convey to you an expression of the sentiments of our people here with regard to the work you have done in Natal on behalf of our fellow-countrymen. Although an entire stranger to you, I feel sure you will appreciate the spirit which has actuated me in addressing you in the matter. There are indeed very few in this city, who are at all able to take an intelligent view of the situation as affecting Indians in this wretched country-myself amongst the number, but in a small way we have during the past few years anxiously watched the course of events in that respect in the neighbouring colony, and your own labour in a field which bristles with so many differences and difficulties. Needless for us to say that our admiration for your work has been all along unbounded: your single hearted efforts and fearless representation of grievances under which the unfortunate Indians who have cast their lot in Natal suffer have throughout the whole course of your advent and sojourn in that colony appealed in the strongest possible manner to our hearts. And if anything were wanting to prove to us how devoted and faithful you are to the convictions so strongly engendered in your mind with respect to the unhappy lot of our countrymen in this land, the bold front you have assumed in regard to the foolish and insensate proceeding on the part of a section of the Natalians unmistakably demonstrate to us now far and now unshaken your sympathies lies in a great cause.

1 Joosub M. H. Gool, originally from Rander near Surat in Gujarat – India had a thriving business of selling spices, grocery, dried fish and woven baskets in Cape Town.

Letter from Joosub M. H. Gool 119

We are deeply grieved that you should have been subjected to the cruel treatment reported in the papers here (copies of which you will find at Dada Abdoola’s1 sent by my friend Mr. Adam H. G. Mohamed) at the hands of mad mob in Durban but let us assure you that the eyes of thousands are on you and are watching with sympathetic appreciation on all you have done and are still about to do and while deploring the inconveniences, the injuries nay the dangers to which you are exposing yourself, we all knew that these misguided people who are so thoughtlessly using so much violence and holding the demonstration dare not so to extremes; and if they do the Govt. is perfectly aware that it will be at the imminent risk of alienating in a large measure the hearts of millions whose eyes are now turned toward that wretched colony.

Be assured you have our fullest sympathy — practical if need be in all that you say and do, we have seen sufficient so far to be aware that the cause of the Indians is in good and able hands.

Should it be found necessary at any time in the progress of your work in the political and social emancipation of our fellow countrymen to leave Natal for England for sustained and personal representations at the fountainhead, we that is the few Indians who are here following with the intensest interests and solicitude the different steps adopted by you for attaining your objects, the objects of all natives of India in this land. We are quite prepared to give our mite and to contribute all that is in our power to facilitate your journey and aid in such a mission.

And may I, in deference to your own opinion, nurture the suggestion that our cause is too strong and our arguments too powerful to be so lightly overridden by Mr. Chamberlain, as he is reported to have done in his reply to Mr. Raffuddin Ahmed’s representation. It has always been the policy of British ministers, to cajole and bamboozle where they know they cannot convince. The entire British constitution will fall to the ground if such a contention on that of the Colonial Secretary of State can hold good.

And, if such a theory be a new one and has been voluntarily surrendered for it has never been sought by any of the colonies possessing Responsible Government to be extorted from the motherland what become of the sovereign’s right of Veto? By

1 Proprietor of Dada Abdulla & Co., Durban, leading Indian firm, in connection with whose law-suit M. K. Gandhi first went to South Africa.


whose authority is class legislation of so violent a kind sought to be introduced?

I am very much afraid that in giving such a thoughtless reply, Mr. Chamberlain has given himself away, and this open declaration will do more to bring discredit on England in the eyes of civilized nations that anything said or done during this century. It …1 of a confession that subjects of the Queen if of a different hue to the British and conquered are only so much carrion to English vultures and so many slaves however educated and enlightened they may be to the English, be they the scum and dregs of the purlieus [sic] of London.

I feel sure that in your further representations as regards the extraordinary front adopted by Natalians toward free Indians, you will bring this home forcibly to the notice of intelligent and right thinking men in England, and that you will properly press home the significance that will be attached to what we consider to be unwarranted and ill-judged statement just forward by Mr. Chamberlain, a statement that, while it would send a thrill of indignation throughout India and wherever our Indian people are settled will tend to heighten the overbearing manner of British colonies and afford a license to the adoption by them of oppressive legislation wherever and however they wish.

I should like to write more lengthy on this head but I do not wish to be dictatorial in the remotest possible manner to one on whom I have the highest confidence, and in whose knowledge and experience in conjunction with those of my friends here have the fullest faith.

I do hope that the Indian people of Natal will be throughly [sic] loyal and grateful to you for all you are doing in their behalf, and it is my firm conviction that your efforts will be amply requited if not in a tangible manner at least by the reverent affection and respect of thousand of our people that have settled in this land or who will hereafter seek a home in South Africa.

Wishing you a large measure of success and the fulfilment of your own heart’s desire in respect to all your efforts in our cause.

I remain with great respect, Very faithfully yours, j. m. h. Gool

S.N. 1956

1 Not deciphered.

A Letter 121

130. A LETTER

box 59 kruGErsdorp

January 25, 1897

G. s. Gandhi, Esq.1

advocatE, piEtErmaritzburG natal

DEAR SIR,

A few months ago I dropped a line to the Secretary of the Indian Congress in reference to the newspaper you were about to start in Durban, offering my services. I received a very courteous reply in which I was informed that you were away in India, and that on your return my application would be placed before you. But, I suppose, owing to the unsettled state of affairs in Durban, in which you took so manful and patriotic a part, I have received no reply. I trust you will have an opportunity now of considering my offer. I am fully acquainted with the grievances of Her Majesty’s Indian subjects, not only in Natal, but throughout South Africa; and it is my earnest wish that justice may be meted out to them. My long residence in India makes me familiar with the varied wants of the Indians. I am just now in Krugersdorp from where I occasionally write to the papers in defence of your people.

I am, Dear sir,

Yours faithfully,

S.N. 3640

1 As in the source.


131. LETTER FROM EDWIN HARROW 1

richmond[January 25, 1897] 2

DEAR MR. GANDHI,

I received today your letter and on my behalf shall be glad if you will communicate with both [Natal] Witness and [Natal] Mercury and demand letters I have sent them that they refuse to publish and should you require power of attorney to do so, I am perfectly willing to give it you. Some of those letters were marked please return if you refuse publication as I have not kept a copy. You see as I told them, in Richmond were A. H. Nicholson my cousin and Bains who I knew when I came out first in 68 and who wanted one to join in partnership when his father was bankrupt and he took over the farm and his brother the …3 farm and both belonged to Land and Colonial Society. I know the whole history of all the Richmond people and care not one dam for the lot. I only know of one respectable man in Richmond except the Indians and that man’s name is Hackland. I told them at meeting I had no education but that since I met them last … months, I had been through Europe, Asia, Africa and America also Australia and I said also I have been four times round the World. Now if there is a man here who has done more let him take my place as, I do not want to bother myself with this affair myself. I am not well and am much better when I keep out of all excitement, but when I see such disgraceful proceedings as lately look place in Durban, on behalf of justice and honesty I now address you. Now I say this you think the Asiatic question has just begun and you think you the lowest and most shameful of all the colonies over which the British flag floats is going to settle what has been going on since the first century. Now we will go back to the time the Romans held Asia minor and I will show to you how this question is mixed up with your Indian and Labour question also. We know the Romans were so afraid of a child reported to be born as Kind of the Jews that they then destroyed all the male children they could lay hands on but that on escaped and started

1 The original manuscript is damaged. This is from the transcription with Sabarmati Ashram archives.

2 From the Sabarmati Ashram’s archival database entry.3 Damaged in the source.

Letter from Edwin Harrow 123

through Palestine preaching and doing good yet his own countrymen boycotted him and got the Romans to carry out his execution. And then we read further on that one of his disciples went to a place called Ephesus1 and there fell foul of the artisans who made images of the great Goddess Diana and they boycotted him crying, great is the Goddess Diana of Ephesus. I was stopped by the illiterate chairman who I knew was a bankrupt in Richmond in … . Then afterwards the Asiatics migrated to all parts of the then known world are now the richest people in the world and but for them no wars could be carried on and no railways made. Who found the money for the war in Rhodesia. Where did C. Rhodes get his money to buy … mine? I had to propose this that this meeting requests the Natal Government to ask the Cape Government and Portugal Government to join with them in preventing all people landing in South Africa who can’t show that they have £ 100 or means of support for 12 months after they land and that all except first class passengers must get papers from agents in Europe, Asia Africa, America and Australia. During the years I lived what I suffered from most were the low Whites and they are still the curse of the Colony, the greatest blessing we could have would be plenty of cheap artisans no matter whether black white or piebald. Those here now are the lowest of the law as any one could see who had been at the Durban meetings headed by a fiery spark a man who lived by destroying life, then cutting those bodies in sections and by selling the sections. And another who started in life by cutting open human bodies learning the secrets of the internal parts and has since lived on the secrets he learned. Now I wrote to Mercury giving account of third … going to Kick’s land in the 70s and the shooting of Smith Palmer as I was there with them. But the Mercury has not published it. Today I sent them the enclosed. I believe myself that all this row in Adam Kick’s land is simply caused by the riots in Durban. It has shown the Government the power they have not a man has been killed, not a house destroyed, no, they would be fools to do anything at this time of year but look at the expense the Cape and Natal have been put to yet I can see nothing that has been done like the insurrection in Durban. If the native population of Africa only once know their power and know the power of the boycott system let them wait until winter them fire the goats all through South Africa do not arm do nothing but burn goats and let women and children be trained to do this. My idea is get all,

1 Ephesus is an ancient city in Turkey.


natives and Indians to combine in petition to home Government to send out Royal Commission. I myself am collecting cases to send aboriginals Protection Society and only the other day I laid £ 4/-10 on behalf of my cousin Willie the greatest friend the natives have to prevent two oxen being sold for rent on a joining farm belonging to a rich man. Now the native was a leper and had to be dragged on a skin to enable him to perform sanitary operation, and they had grown no crops for two years. I gave cheque thus paid on behalf of Aborigines Protection Society £ 4/10 and to prevent death from starvation. Another thing I told then in Richmond was you found your religion on Jesus Christ who was born in Asia and the land he was born in is called the Holy Land to this day but if the laws you want to introduce are carried out he could not land in Natal and should he manage to get in, he could neither purchase land in either Durban or Pietermaritzburg without the consent of the mayors. I also told them your great John must go with the Africans because he owes the position he holds entirely to a mechanical apparatus, when I know him first you would not understand a word he said and it was doubtful were he got enough to live on but he managed to go to England and get a … palate put in that enabled him to speak much better and some years later went again and got an improvement on it. John Robinson told me at Ixopo1 three years ago the coast was entirely dependent on Indian labour. Our Harry I knew when he was connected with Esame and Co. Can a man who can’t manage his own affairs manage those of the Public if he fails in one will he not in the other also? Now after all my travels in foreign countries. I came here to find the only place where a train is sent away half an hour before its time the Guard left behind. And it has to be telegraphed for to Fox Hill and I and others to wait until its return there. My cousin Nicholson M. L. A. came to meet me this time in Durban and with him also was J. W. Mackenzie, his wife’s brother [and] we arrived at Richmond Road [to] stay there the night and hire carriage and four to take us to Richmond by … H. N[icholson]’s advice I leave two of my portmanteaus on promise from him that they would be sent by his wagon although they could easily have come in carriage and I was quite willing to pay the lot. But not they did not come for nearly three weeks and I had to wear dirty clothes for 14 days. Then a case of whisky was ordered for me from

1 Ixopo is a town situated on a tributary of the Mkhomazi River in the midlands of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

Letter from Edwin Harrow 125

Mericks by my cousin Willie also box of groceries the box of whisky came but not the other box I wrote and complained and now I have answer this I received just as I returned from Pietermaritzburg. About train I must be mistaken us Hunter said he could find our nothing about it I answered yesterday I met two of those who were at station and had to wait for … train. The postmaster were left in charge of night porter by H. Nicholson M. L. A. and the … box was not one of whisky. Yesterday morning at Pietermaritzburg station I was put into three trains before the right one and the 8.15 train did not start at all. Will you kindly inquire and let me know the reasons. But I got no reply last time I was in Pietermaritzburg I came down. I have had just … bravery an Indian girl was in front of me with basket on her head walking on road alongside of … a man in bicycle came from the made straight for the girl and when quite close yelled out she dropped her basket jumped on the path and the man upset the basket with his bi-cycle turning the contained cucumbers into the water. A native came out of house picked up the cucumbers and gave them to the girl. At Durban at show time some of the band made some Indian gentleman stands back that they could get better view calling them damned niggers. I remember when Clarence, then Sherif hung Indian three times before he killed him. I went up with Clarence in train afterwards. Last December 12 months I met a Doctor McComic who told me his evidence had been the means of a Coolie being hung but he said no Englishman would have been hung on such evidence and he did not believe the man was guilty. Now I am willing to help you in any way you like to show up the state of affairs hire even so far as to enable you to publish a pamphlet under my name and all I require is that I am put to no expense whatever as I have nothing to gain and only seek justice for the Indians and natives I know of cases of gross cruelty to natives by magistrates’ court would have to be visited.

I send you Times January 20 with the only account that was published of Richmond and w[h]ere I was the only one besides the two members who had anything to say. And my cousin Henry Nicholson said they ought not to have spoken as they were only there to hear the views of the people.

Yours Mr. Gandhi, Edwin harrow

S.N. 2074D


132. A LETTER

Efsuina Ekutandanani p. o.

stanGErJanuary 29, 1897

mr. Gandhi

SIR,

We have a 400 acre farm on the Ingela, 15 miles from Stanger and 10 miles from Bonds Drift which will be the future Principal Railway Station on the line of route to Zululand, Swaziland and the farm is mostly thick bushland and virgin soil and considered to be one of the picked farms up here. Last year we commenced letting on Indians & coolies, they took 100 acres and notwithstanding the locusts they will have very heavy crops of mealies [sic] etc., - they appear happy & contended and intend cultivation & clearing more land.

We are open to let another 500 acres from 12/- to 15/- per acre viz. on the banks of the Ingela 15/- per acre, elsewhere 12/- per acre. We happen to have a selected few on this farm, we do not want any doubtful characters. I send you a copy of your lease one we keep ourselves, a copy we give to each of our tenants. If you can get the 500 acres taken up, I shall be glad to pay you a small commission of twenty pounds. I have no doubt I shall wish to let more land later on. We can transfer the Indians and their cattle at 2/- per count from Verulam station. Our wagons are generally up and down the road.

We will not give a lease for under 5 acres.It little matters when they come on 1st July will commence

the year. They will have more time for building etc.I prefer the man who has served his indenture in this colony

as he has a better idea of the seasons etc. is acclimatized, and in everyway better suited for farming.

I remain, Yours truly,

Sd.Please return enclosed copy of Agreement note. It was drawn

out for 8 acres this year. The man is paying for 25 acres. S.N. 3641

Letter from J. M. Adams 127

133. LETTER FROM J. M. ADAMS 1

ladysmithFebruary 1, 1897

DEAR MR. GANDHI,

I am writing you to ask you to send me about ½ a dozen of the pamphlets as I have distributed the others among several gentlemen whom I know several are government officials and they say what a deference between the original and Reuters version and they have been obliged to acknowledge it was correct I also beg to draw your attention to this morning Natal Witness. Pardon the presumption but if you are busy, perhaps you may have overlooked it.

As you are well aware the representations at Home is that it is a labour question of course it is nothing of that sort hence my reason for drawing your attention to the lines and paragraphs marked.

The Colony is at present well stocked with foreigners, S.E., Norwegians & Swedish who are not British subjects at all.

I never had any fear of sparks & escapade, but what I do most fear is misrepresentation of the facts in England and I will do all I can to see that correct information is placed in the hands of some of one M.P.s at Home.

No more at present.From,

Your sincere friend, j. m. adams

p. s.I have had several interviews with the heads of locations and

they are dead against any measure to stop the Indian traders as they are well aware without any telling that the European Merchant granted immediately invoices than prices.

S.N. 3642

1 Captain of s. s. Courland.


134. LETTER FROM CONYNGHAM GREENE 1

prEtoriaFebruary 1, 1897

SIR,

I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 29th instant2, in which you state that it is said that the Transvaal Officials will not allow Indians to cross the frontier at a Charlestown under any circumstances. In reply I have to say that I have referred your letter to the State Secretary and requested an early reply.


Your obedient servant, conynGham GrEEnE


S.N. 1979

135. LETTER FROM DAVID VINDEN 3


DEAR MR. GANDHI,

Upon receipt of your valuable telegram, I at once interviewed two leading Hindu Storekeepers & told them about your important and urgent desire, and for which they are quite prepared to contribute & assist you in the matter, and also they are willing to give a substantial subscription. But they think it would not be wise for them & me to demand subscriptions for the people who are under the verge of starvations, but they think (I concur with them) it would be a very great boom if you would personally appear, and that it is no doubt for a larger attendance, and the amounts will be exorbitant.

1 Probably the British Agent in Pretoria.2 Refer, “Letter to the British Agent”, CWMG Vol. 2, pp. 133-134.3 The Indian interpreter to the Resident Magistrate’s court at Ladysmith.

Letter from David Vinden 129

Otherwise if we have to perform this reliable & important matter they (the above storekeepers) are sure the amount will be very small.

The reason for asking you to come up is, that several persons are anxious to see you who have heard about your name, and when it will be circulated to them that you will be a delegate to this matter. Your visit will no doubt be appreciated by the people of the District.

The leading store keepers Moonoo Maharaj and Chundun Himunchul are quite willing to assist you in whatever way you require them and also they prefer that this meeting be held on a Sunday to the inconvenience of the people, and also to enable them to get the information through us as most people are in the employ of N. G. R.1 on the lines & some are on the farms.

Please let me know if next Sunday the 14th instant will suit you & also you will let us know before you start to enable us to meet you at the station.

Your train expenses will be paid by us.I hope you, Mrs. Gandhi and children are enjoying good

health.With kindest regards,

Yours truly, d. vindEn

Address:

d. vindEn r. m. court tElEGraphic addrEss: — vindEn ladysmith

Approved:

moonoo maharaj chundun himunchul

S.N. 2003

1 Natal Government Railway.


136. LETTER FROM M. RAY

47 church strEEt (bhayat’s) piEtErmaritzburG

February 7, 1897 6 p.m.

DEAR MR. GANDHI,

I don’t see why our friends should resent our travelling by the 2nd class. Perhaps we should have been as comfortable in a 2nd class carriage as we were in the 1st class but we have to respect the prejudices of our friends, sometimes. Your two boys were quite comfortable — I saw then at Inchanga1, and again here, and giving them some advice …2 them good bye. At the railway station here we met Mr. Stevens and others — the former got give wire only this morning. Osman stayed here and I write with 2nd station to his house. It was a rather long journey and we performed it by Shaw — leaving my bag and bedding here — reaching our destination soon after 11. Mr. Stevens was very good and … … me very kindly, at that late hour a good many [temporary] … … … … to … anything gave a cup of milk. While taking the milk we discussed the [programme] of this morning’s meeting. It was … advisable to write to … missionaries and so according to Mr. Steven’s wish a letter was drafted and cyclostyled. We retired at about 2.15 a.m., to get up at 7.30, and after tea Mr. Steven went to invite his friends and others, (including interpreter … ), and I came here. We then all … … to the ‘arab’ stores to take the merchants’ to the meeting, but almost … were ‘out’. At one place — Ibrahim Ismail (kokni)’s, we … ‘encouraging reception. After a series of disappointments in this …We reached the school at 10.30, when — lo and behold! There were fully … persons present (Mr. Stevan and the schoolmaster Mr. Thomas, and Steven’s friend or relation included some of his friends has promised to be present, but did not turn up — others were ‘busy’.) Mr. Steven was not much surprised — he derived consolation by talking of his past experiences. At 11.30 we were about 15, and by 12 there were about 40 when the proceedings began — I was voted to the

1 Inchanga is a village in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, approximately halfway between Durban and Pietermaritzburg.


Letter from M. Ray 131

Chair contrary to my arrangement with Mr. Steven. The majority of the audience consisted of very poor men — a good many in scanty clothing and even in rags.

About 8 or 10 came later. Steven spoke at great length and very eloquently, but the audience was not of the paying class. Among the late arrivals there were 2 or 3 decent men, and after the close of the proceedings they promised to convene a meeting of the Madrasi storekeepers and others tomorrow evening when, they were very emphatic that I should be present. We have aroused their enthusiasm — but we have to see the result. After the meeting we saw Mr. Mohidin — he thought it was a mistake we were sent without Mr. Kamrudin, and he was not at all surprised that the Koknis … not give us any countenance. The Surtees talk very sweetly and sensibly, but as they don’t name the sum they would give, it is surmised that from them the amount will not be decent. They will, however, meet this evening, when we shall realise the exact situation. From what Mr. Bhayat says the Surtees may … be about £ 10-12 — while we say we must have about £ 100 from them — [let’s] see how tonight’s meeting ends. Since morning Mr. Osman and I are knocking about from place to place, without resting, but probably we are doomed to fail in our mission, at least here. May be it is Sunday today and most people may have gone out when we called on them — we don’t suppose they will leave their stores tomorrow. These days of Rojas also seem to be against our movements.

We regret we have to write in such discouraging terms when you expect to get encouraging news — luck!

With compliments all round, I am very truly,

m. ray

S.N. 2008


137. A LETTER

conGrEGation housE, aliwal strEEt


Gandhi Esq.

DEAR SIR,

I am indeed sorry at the state of things with reference to which you write. I do trust that the peoples of the world will be so moved as to give liberally of their substance to meet this terrible case.

After our Communion Services this morning I was enabled to secure a ‘grant’ from our Church poor fund. I trust also that many individuals in my congregations will contribute freely to the Mayor’s fund.

I am, Dear sir,

Yours very truly, Sd.

S.N. 2009

138. LETTER FROM W. J. IRONS

7, midland tErracE watErloo (n)

livErpoolFebruary 12, 1897

mr. Gandhi barristEr at law

DEAR SIR,

Having with pain and grief watched the late, persecution of yourself and countrymen, I write to offer you my sympathy, and shall hope to have you for a correspondent. Keep me posted as …1 the … and measures adopted by your enemies. I have not



seen your much advised Pamphlet1. Send me a copy. My daughter has written in protest to the ‘Natal Advertiser’, believing the Editor will sympathize. Will he? If her letter is published, have it kept up in slips and distributed far and wide. I would advise the quick formation of an Indian Protection Society encircling every Indian pledged to uphold the law — to … honestly, truthfully and abstain from alcohol … a weekly subscription of at least 1st and 6th for Sunday Ticket. Have local intellectuals and … … … … the whole Indian community with a board of union.

Yours faithfully, w. j. irons

[p. s.]Can you get my daughter’s letter published in the Indian

papers.

[p]. p. s.I have sent articles to Times of India and Champions, Bombay.

S.N. 2031


cambridGE lodGE north hill road

south fiEld london, s.w.

February 13, 1897

v. madanjit Esq. or m. k. Ghandhi Esq., durban

DEAR SIR,

I now enclose copy of my correspondence with the Secretary Mr. Chamberlain2, with regard to the telegram from Bombay from Mr. Gandhi3 and the letter from partner firm Mr. V. Madanjit. In my letter to Mr. Chamberlain, I have given extracts from Mr.

1 Refer, “The Grievances of the British Indians in South Africa: An appeal to the Indian Public”, CWMG Vol. 2, pp. 2-36.



Madanjit’s letter, which I have no doubt he will understand from the indication given by him in the copy which I am enclosing herewith1.


S.N. 2053

140. LETTER FROM R. SOMASUNDARAM

ixopoFebruary 15, 1897

DEAR MR. GANDHI,

I have read with regret in the papers, about the demonstration and about the cowardly attack that had been shown to you on your arrival. I hope all those clouds have still a silver lining. I am sure it was much better for our cause for the news in England is sure to elevate us in their minds and many an Englishman in England would sympathise with us. I am really sorry indeed that our dear country should be so harassed and that hundreds of our brethren are dying of hunger. I sympathise very much with your movement and hope God will bless and prosper your efforts. I have received the pamphlets sent by you and I have spoken to the Indians as well as the Europeans here. There are a very few Indians here. A Bombay storekeeper, 2 of his storemen and a man who buys fruits from Durban and brings them here to sell. They have given their most though I think the store keeper might have given more. I am sending you the list of the names together with a cheque for £ 2-10-0 the amount collected. I have appealed to the white people here but am sorry that they are unable to do anything, as a member of the Masonic Lodge here dies lately leaving a widow and children in a poor state, so they are subscribing for the support of the widow. Otherwise they would surely give something. Please acknowledge receipt of the amount and send separate receipts to the subscribers by return post; as I would like that they should receive their receipts before I go to Umzinto2. You must have heard that I am to be transferred to Umzinto. I have only heard on Saturday that I am to proceed next Saturday. I shall try and get some funds from there. But as

1 This letter is not available.2 Umzinto is a town 10 km. inland from Park Rynie on the south coast

of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa.

Letter from A. M. Cameron 135

I would be a stranger to them, I am afraid I may not be able to do much good just yet. I was very anxiously awaiting your arrival in Durban and I would have come to see you on board the steamer, but for reasons which I had asked M. Lawrence to let you know and which I hope had met your approval. After I am gone to Umzinto I may run down to Durban when I hope to see you well and hearty. I hope you are in no way put out on account of the money I owe you. I have asked M. Lawrence to explain everything to you. With my best regards and fervent prayer that your work may be blessed.

Yours sincerely, r. somasundaram

S.N. 3646

141. LETTER FROM A. M. CAMERON 1

c/o post officE darGlE road station2

n[atal] G[ovErnmEnt] r[ailway]February 16, 1897

MY DEAR SIR,

I am in receipt of your favour of yesterday’s date3, enclosing cheque for three pounds.

I should have wished also to have received your “Plain Statement of Facts”, to have sent it in slots to the Times of India with my 1st letter on the subject of the recent extraordinary “demonstration”. But I shall hope to get it from you personally at Durban, & then enclose it.

I see you say “a few days” in regard to my staying in Durban, but you will note from what I wrote that I could give

1 Alex M. Cameron was then the Natal correspondent of The Times of India and M. K. Gandhi had invited him over for consultations about a journal to be started to further the cause of the South African Indians. On 17-12-1897 Gandhi wrote to F. S. Taleyarkhan, “During the time he was here, he tried to do everything he could for the cause of the Indians in South Africa. He is now proceeding to India to take part in the attempts of the Indians to remove the misunderstandings created about them owing to the recent events and assistance that may be rendered to him will be greatly values.” (CWMG Vol. 2. pp. 297-298)

2 Dargle is a railroad station in KwaZulu-Natal, situated between Lidgetton and Mount Ashley and it is a community village about 20 miles from Pietermaritzburg.

3 Refer, “Letter to A. M. Cameron”, CWMG Vol. 2, p. 139.


only a break of 2 days. You see, I write regularly every day, on a variety of matters & to several S. African as well as Foreign (& Indian) papers; & I could not give more without loss, which, at present, I cannot afford. And you will also see that the £ 3 have been calculated for journey & back + 2 days’ expense in Durban + rickshaw, etc; though I suppose that, that would not matter much with your Part, if I really had to stay a day or two more.

If, therefore, we have a quiet interview between ourselves alone (for others, however eager and willing would only prevent a quiet review & perfect settlement of the main lines) the 1st day, we can finish up the next day.

But if you should carry up to a third day, I shall require a fee of a guinea (21s) for that day & if only to pay expenses of staying; & as Sunday will fall between (on which I neither work, nor would I charge), you will see that I shall have to really meet 2 days’ expenses with the guinea.

I have given next Friday & Saturday to Durban, leaving for my return on Saturday night; so, you may expect to see me sometime on Friday; & I shall be at your service (as I said, in a quiet room, for a private & uninterrupted interview) during the whole time I am in Durban Friday & Saturday i.e. unless you advise me before I leave of any other days you may find it more convenient yourself.

I am much obliged to you & have to thank you for the statement that I may use the 1st class; but I shall save you the £ 1 that that would involve, as I mind it very little.

I trust the weather is not too oppressive in Durban.Yours,

a. m. camEron

m. k. Ghandi1 Esq. barristEr-at-law bEach GrovE durban

p. s.I shall call direct at your Beach Grove residence (may be

your office near Kruger road) immediately on arrival.Noticed Mr. “Ghandi2” leaving a little while ago Bombay

for England.S.N. 3647

1 As in the source.2 As in the source.


142. LETTER FROM A. C. R. PILLAY

maritzburGFebruary 16, 1897

DEAR SIR,

I have the honour to [write this to] you, that you …1 … enough to forward about 6 copies of the Grievances of the British Indians in South Africa, for so doing I shall be highly oblige[d].

I am, Dear sir,

Yours obediently, a. c. r. pillay

no. 499, church strEEt piEtErmaritzburG

S.N. 3648

143. LETTER FROM DAVID VINDEN


DEAR MR. GANDHI,

With the assistance of Cassim Camroodeen & Co.’s travelling clerk & few 2 other residents of this place made & started the subscriptions on Sunday last & from yesterday I made it myself almost from morning until evening by going to each doors more than 1 dozen times begging for the subscription & now I have on hand £ 24-8-6. All the money is in charge of Gaulab Amod for safe keeping which will be handed to the above firms’ clerk on his return from his up country business.

Most likely he will be here tomorrow evening. No doubt the subscribed amount will be handed to him to be handed to you with the list as well. I shall write you sooner as the difficulties I had over this matter.

I tried all my best to get as much as possible. Amod Moosager Omar & S. Amod Ebrahim Chupty are in Durban, please collect from them & see that their names goes [sic] in



our list & also let us know what amount they contributed to enable us to know the exact amount subscribed.

Yours truly, d. vindEn

in hastE

S.N. 3649


oakEn halt, nEar oxford

February 22, 1897DEAR MR. GANDHI

I am obliged for your letter of the 29th January1 received this forenoon. The story which it tells is a painful one, but I feel sure that you & our Indian friends in Natal have only to be patient, & to represent your case without exaggeration in order to obtain attention & redress. On receipt of your telegram it was at once submitted to the Editor of the Times, & in other influential quarters. I am following the same course today in regard to your letter. Our great difficulty at the moment is that Europe has been so thoroughly frightened about the plague, that any measure of quarantine, however excessive, would find both medical & political advocates in England. We must be careful not to raise side issues or to allow the Indian question in Natal to be mistaken for one of quarantine against the plague.

Another difficulty arises from the fact that any development of race-feeling might at present check the subscription to the Famine Relief Fund.

Both these difficulties, although serious for the moment, are temporary in their nature. I think my best plan is to await the copy of your promised memorial to Mr. Chamberlain, but if an opportunity occurs before the memorial arrives, I shall act promptly. Meanwhile I had referred to the subject this morning before your letter reached me.

Wishing you & our Indian friends in South Africa success in all legal & orderly efforts to obtain justice.

Yours faithfully, william wilson huntEr

S.N. 2074C

1 Refer, “Letter to W. W. Hunter”, CWMG Vol. 2, pp. 129-133.

Letter from W. J. Irons 139


7, midland tErracE watErloo (n)

livErpool EnGland

February 26, 1897

mr. Gandhi indian barristEr at law natal south africa

DEAR SIR,

By the mail, received here on the 21 Feb/97 we received “The Times of Natal” — which gives reports of anti-Indians meetings held at Durban, Maritzburg, and correspondence where all that was unmanly, uncharitable, with …1 suggestions, and violent threat were indulged in. The fiasco at the Point of Durban is graphically described. What a set of fools! The letter of Mr. Geo. B. Richards of Summer Hill dated 16 January quite true. The troubles on your detractors, the pestilential agitators, the wine peddlers, men playing their own game! “A dangerous game to play — stirring up of the peoples heart”; and one that might have led to a dreadful end. Such agitations … like setting loose a dam of water, carrying desolation and destruction before it as use men’s passions when roused to fever point. With the … speech and gesture of the stump orators smiling with conceit and self importance flattering their heart with vulgarities and tirade about the injury done to trade and industry by the Coolie burst, as they call it; which cry, is at one’s menace, contemptible and disgusting, impolite and unwise; but what excited my indignation, was the coward and brutal treatment, to which you were subject. I can quite understand mob violence; when a little child I remember, my Father’s house being besieged by furious mob, seeking his life, and stoning the doors and windows with stones, till the mayor annexed and read the Riot act, my parents having to flee from the town or been murdered, because he had roused evil passions, by putting in force the Law to prevent or punish Sabbath Breaking. Hell do we not know how the townsmen of

1 Not deciphered.


Nazareth would have drugged the Holy One the Carpenter’s son, and hurled him headlong over the precipitous cliffs. But the dauntless movements of this gaze overawed them. And the calm nobleness of this bearing imprinted such an air of majesty that the maddened crowd allowed them to escape.” Yet at last the greatest and purest God Man that ever lived was crucified.

All honour that you should have received blows and bruises in the cause of humanity and righteousness. Socrates was poisoned with the Hemlcok cup. Gracchus1 killed with sticks and stones. Reformers have ever been martyrs.

What an awful responsibility rests on the men who raised the … excitement attending your arrival at the Port, appealing to the blind popular passion of a hostile multitude which might have plunged the colony in a civil war. Had their countrymen been murdered do you imagine the Indian population would not have been avenged. The organization of he “European Protection association and Colonial Patriotic Union” — enlisted the Indian Community to adopt measures of social defence; for this purpose private and secret meetings should be held and communities formed of your most intelligent and educated Indians to consider the most practical means to meet the proposed legislation to restrain and prohibit Indian Immigration, wherein a weak Natal Government will be bullied by an infatuated rabble to pass repressive measures appealing to the interests of a larger population than the Europeans — could have to be decided by an appeal to the Home Government. It is then imperative to so organize Indian influences to be prepared for the battle of interests; that a united Voice of Protest may be heard at Maritzburg and Westminster. In the first place then I would have a document prepared, congratulating the Queen on her Jubilee Reign — and assuring Her Majesty of the loyalty of her Indian Subjects in the Colony of Natal; and praying that her protection may be given through Her ministers, shielding them from the persecutions of the prejudiced activities of selfish Colonists jealous of Indian labour and industry.

This declaration of the Indian community should receive the signature of every adult man and woman of Indian Nationality

1 Tiberius Sempronius Gracchus (c. 169–164 – c. 133 BC) was a Roman Popularis politician of the 2nd century BC. As a plebeian tribune, he caused political turmoil in the Republic with his reforms of agrarian legislation that sought to transfer wealth from the wealthy, patricians and otherwise, to the poor. These reforms threatened the holdings of rich land owners in Italy. He was murdered, along with many of his supporters.


in the colony (where unable to write sign by proxy mark). This will be a final step to thwart the machinations of your enemies.

The collection of names and addresses of occupations by volunteer workers, undertaking to canvass: allotted districts occupied by Indians, would be a systematic census of the Asiatic Race — by this Registrations, a foundation will be laid to buckle up a powerful organization, capable of repelling the attacks of the agencies working against your success and political interests — in seeking to pass Legislature acts prohibiting Indian Immigrations and the acquisition of land and property to gratify the caprices of a few discontented selfish individuals, who fear Free Trade in labour, and would monopolize all agricultural and commercial enterprises. Being united into Protection Associations to oppose progress which is to establish a conservatism opposed to the principles of civilizations and Liberty. To oppose by very constitutional means the deprecation insult and social persecution to which you are subject : to thwart the slanders, and expose the falsehoods spread broadcast by speech and Press, is at once a duty and obligation binding on every patriotic Indian — caring for the welfare of his race.

How shall this be accomplished? Again I say unite, organize, form a society, having for its objects the social regenerative intellectual advancement and education of the Indian peoples in the Colony.

When faraway in Ohio U.S., we belonged to a Society of Farmers called the Patrons of Husbandry.

The objects: Social Union of families providing for the pleasures and engagements of the tillers of the soil. We had weekly gatherings of its members in a Hall. The services opened by Invocation and Songs of Praise. These young Indians clothed in white were seated on a dais, representing flora. …1 such a pedestal before them on which buckets of flowers, fruits and grain were displayed — Papers had reports given by Secretary or Lecturer relating to agricultural statistics and facts noted by observations as to the value of land, the cropping of farms, the most favourable localities for various products — Reports on the gardens, fields and orchard — the cost of tilling and returns realized. Market Prices and best Markets cost of new planting — Fences and well sinking. Best and most useful Implements as Ploughs and cultivators: seeds and Plants, Roots and grains. Bee culture — Market gardening and poultry keeping; with usher rural occupations the information afforded by the experience of the farmers was found most beneficial and instructive, imparting

1 Not deciphered.


a valuable interest to the meetings — discussions followed and suggestions offered gave the consultations quite a Parliamentary usefulness. The decent interest and the home life of the farmer fostering intelligence, dignifying and elevating the occupation revealing from life of much of its drudgery and solitude.

By the formation of a similar society for Natal having for its objects the foregoing principles and giving an incessant attention to preserving inviolate the Rights and Liberties of Indian British subjects and to promote the social and Political useful of the Indian classes settled on the colony. Two orders or Degrees, would initiate for the initiations of memberships viz.

Sons of Agriculture Daughters of Industry

The installation and ceremony attending the entrance of the Brotherhood, where solemn vows and oath are taken on sacred Book to follow Temperance, Chastity and Virtue. Like the Disciples of Buddha assembling in white robes, to … spread bouquets of food and fruit — each guest bringing of his or her ability to the Feast of Love. Beautiful idea to be copied and realized by the Indian sons and daughters of Natal. Bound and bunched together in holy purpose to help and assist each other, to establish a fraternity and fellowship, having for its watchwords Faith, Hope, Charity.

For the full development of these proposals it will be necessary to have a native paper published in your Hindustani language. It might be entitled

The Standard of Freedom or Liberty

Addressing the people and instructing them in the agricultural operations of other sub-tropical countries. If such a Journal is established I shall be happy to contribute the agricultural articles and computation of other agricultural Journals. Balaam was called by Balak to curse the Israelites. But the blessing of the God of Justice rested on the People.

“How shall the souls of Indians be cursed Whom God hath not cursed.

How shall they be defied whom the Lord hath not defied.”

From the top of the rocks I see him, lo the people shall dwell alone, as the valleys are spread forth, as the garden by the river’s side, as the trees of … … — as cedar trees beside


the waters. Lo shall the people be blessed. Blessed is he that blessed thee And blessed is he that cursed thee.

Yours faithfully, an indian friEnd

p. s.You can publish the letter if any of your peers will do

so. I am preparing a Manifesto to follow next mail — I wish to translate into the Indian language and circulate among them.

w. j. irons 7 midland tErracE — watErloo

(n) livErpool EnGland

[p. p. s.]Please acknowledge mail.

S.N. 2061


ladysmithMarch 4, 1897

DEAR MR. GANDHI,

I saw Amod Moosajee Omar here after his return from Durban some 6 days ago. He told me that his nephew is instructed to contribute …1 the fund from his share and I therefore wish to know if you have received any help from Amod Mosajee Omar through his nephew, if not please let me know. Except him everyone had subscribed — I am going to Elandslaagte Colliery in a day or two.

I went there 2 weeks ago only got 10 % from one man and am expected to come there on the pay day & I am keeping a look-out for this grand pay day of the colliery & today the money is going from the Bank for the payment. I shall proceed tomorrow or the day after.

I have on hand now £ 4.4.3.As soon as I will get the Elandslaagte Colliery money, I

shall forward them to you & free myself from any more trouble.I strongly believe you have seen the Monday’s “Witness” the

4th page “A Pioneer in Law” all about Miss Cornelia Sorabji2.

1 Damaged in the source.2 Cornelia Sorabji (1866–1954) was the first female graduate from Bombay

University and in 1889 became the first woman to read law at Oxford University


I am highly pleased that … to the publisher of that portion in this country — I am really glad & proud to hear good result on the part of an Indian lady —

I am afraid to write you longer in this matter.Hope you are enjoying good health, the family & children

as well.Yours truly,

d. vindEnS.N. 3650

147. LETTER FROM G. DEEN MAHARAJ

GlEncoE junction natal

March 5, 1897SIR,

Your kind note is at hand on the 17 February 18971. In reply to your favour I send three pound for the Indian famine. I hope we will send you some more money up to 31st March 1897 and please kindly send the receipt back for this money.

I am going to try as can as possible.I am,

Yours faithfully, G. dEEn maharaj

Please make three receipts B. Suram Maharaj £ 1-0-0B. Manjan Singh 0-10-0B. Harcharan Dass 0-10-0P. G. Deen Maharaj 1-0-0-----------------------------------------Total £ 3-0-02

S.N. 3651

and was also the first Indian national to study at any British university. She later practised law in India and Britain.

1 This letter is not available.2 As in the source.




DEAR MR. GANDHI,

Yours of 6th instant1 reached safely thanks very much for the kind expressions on behalf of the community. I went to Elandslaagte Colliery on Saturday last by 12 noon train & amount subscribed is rather too small & I feel ashamed to mention you the amount now, but you will see it when I intend to forward them to you by next Monday — and I am going again that direction on next Friday on Branch Court duty and I hope to get something more then —

Yesterday afternoon I visited Captain Adams & he showed me a letter from his father, his father had written to him about the present state of the Indian questions and also that his father had handed all the papers to Sir Francis Evans M.P.

The letter to Captain Adams was a grand one & otherwise opinion of his father was shown to me.

I think Captain Adams will write to you about the news from his father the opinions are wide & wise and I hope Sir Francis Evans will take the matters into his hands.

I am rather sick & disgusted with this country.Captain Adams is taking rather a great interest in our

matters & he discussed without fear & prejudice — I hope you would try all your best to see him placed in the position he deserves & I think it would be a grand help to us.

I am certain that he is reliable to a certain extent in our matters.

With kindest regards. Yours truly,

d. vindEn

S.N. 3652



149. LETTER FROM A. M. CAMERON

March 8, 1897MY DEAR SIR,

I am in receipt of your favour of the 6th instant1.You are kind enough to say that you believed something

in the N[atal] critic by “a.m.c.” is by me. But there is only one particular class (mineral) of contribution of mine and known as mine, which go under (above) those initials in 3 or 4 papers in Natal and the neighbouring states. Other classes go as by the “T[imes] of I[ndia] correspondent in S. A.” Others again as Editorial notes, papers, leading articles etc. etc. have of course nothing to show particularly individual authorship, which consequently cannot be known to anyone outside the Editors (In one paper even the editor remains ignorant — as I deal through the Proprietor). So much for that.

But I am surprised — indeed … — that you make no mention of the very long- very prominently printed and for you individually and your party collectively rather important (as making generally and strongly for you) communication of mine in the same days — Saturday’s Advertiser — specially put down and signed as by the “Times of I[ndia] correspondent in S. Africa.”

Could you have missed it? If so, please look at it. I ask you to do this (and also to explain it to your party) as I am sure it will be a pleasure for you to do it.

After your note, just received, which I confess leaves one in the dark as to whether you refer to my offices (write for your cause) in this country, or to the engagement I offered to fulfil in India in person — though even for writing for your party and cause in this country you may be aware from what I told you and what you would naturally expect, that for me, it is “no pay, no work” etc. If I am specially retained I shall write and not else. Redirecting my service to the cause as you style it, to the columns of the Times of India. I shall of course not do anything for it — …2 be unable to do it only that my time is all, otherwise engaged and paid for … in this country, though even as the Times of India correspondent I have to view both sides and not one only.



As I said, however, I am in the dark for your letter’s general terms whether — it — the prohibition — refers to my writing for your cause — the cause with which you are identified in this country, or to the offer I made to permanently advocate it — in papers as well as by public addresses in the great centres in the Indian Empire.

If you will make this clear I shall be obliged — at the same time I may state (as I stated before I went down to Durban) that I might be going of own accord to India — and hence it was this I could offer to speak and unite at so many places as Bombay, Poona, Madras, Calcutta, Dacca, Patna, Lucknow, Allahabad, Jubbulpore (or Nagpur), Delhi and Lahore and write for as many — it may be twice as many — papers, during say 6 months for a merely nominal sum as £ 30 (or £ 5 p.m.) to include even travelling charges! (The return passage ticket to and from Natal of course being understood).

You will remember my advising you to send a circular letter to the whole of the Indian press at the same time and concurrently.

If however you, or your party think that it is not worth spending the £ 30 (and the passage ticket) I have nothing further to say. Or, the same amount for six months in London, which also was mentioned to you. But I should wish definitely and clearly to understand this. Your letter does not do this — leaves it in the dark.

Kind regards to self and Mr. Roy.Yours sincerely,

a. m. camEron

S.N. 3653



DEAR MR. GANDHI,

Will you be good enough to send me the subscription list of the Famine Fund? I have some more money to send the names to be added.


Your last letter reached safely (of the 12th instant1) re, Amod Moosajee Omar’s subscription — you will be glad to hear that after a hard trial I got a cheque from this friend for £ 2.2/- on the 9th instant.

When I say hard trial I don’t mean against the will of the person, but with little hesitation Mr. Omar was pleased & prepared to contribute, but he made me understood that he has directed sometimes of his to contribute, but as I did not entertain all this excuses, I insisted for his kind subscription be paid to me without any further delay & excuses.

So my friend Mr. Omar made his mind for that amount — The whole family are good to us & I have nothing to say

against Mr. Omar’s people.I have about £ 7.0-0-0 to add to the list.I hope I will be at liberty after this. I had to act as a

professional beggar over this matter nearly about 6 to 7 times in each door for a miserable 2/- piece or 1/- piece.

I did not feel as ashamed so often in those doors but I considered & still considering the great temptation our beloved people of India are undergoing a sour times the tears of my eyes attempted to flow freely when I read several passages about the plague & more when I saw the illustrations in the “Graphic” & other papers — and it is quite enough to any our who actually read & see these things & to overlook these matters — if they don’t take such troubles now & work hard for their own country — men surely they wont be forgiven for their actions.

I hope you will understand what do I mean in this letter.I sincerely hope that all my friends will labour their leisure

hours for these poor sufferers & to those children who are depriving from every comforts.

I hope Providence will help India for Natal’s sake.Yours truly,

d. vindEn

S.N. 3654



151. LETTER FROM CONYNGHAM GREENE

prEtoriaMarch 16, 1897

SIR,

In reply to your letter of the 10th instant1 I do not think that there would be any use in asking the Government of the South African Republic what is the exact nature of the instructions, if any, given to the franchise official with regard to the admission of Indians, since the Government have already declared their inability to dictate the terms of a document which would serve for all cases, and hence called attention to the difficulty which in their opinion exists in paying down a rule applicable to all, in regard to proof of identity and means of subsistence.

I am sir, Your obedient servant,

conynGham GrEEnE

mr. m. k. Ghandhi2

advocatE p. o. box 66 durban

S.N. 2113



March 18, 1897SIR,

I am directed to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of yesterday’s date3, suggesting that Government should publish information about British Central Africa, and applying for an

1 This letter is not available.2 As in the source.3 This letter is not available.


abstract of statistics as regards the arrivals and departures of Europeans and free Indians to and from the Colony.




c. s. o. 35S.N. 3656



March 29, 1897SIR,

I am directed to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 26th instant1, drawing the attention of the Government to a paragraph in the dispatch of His Excellency to the Secretary of State for the Colonies.



m. k. Gandhi Esq., barristEr-at-law durban

c. s. o. 35S.N. 3659

1 Refer, “Letter to Natal Colonial Secretary” CWMG Vol. 2, pp. 235-236.

Letter from A. M. Campbell 151

154. LETTER FROM M. LEUCHARS

durbanMarch 29, 1897


DEAR SIR,

I regret that owing to indisposition I have been unable to proceed to P. M. Burg this afternoon — I expect however to go up tomorrow, and will in that case present the petitions. You have entrusted to me at the afternoon sitting of the Legislative Assembly, prior to the resumption of the debate on the Immigration Bill.

Yours truly, m. lEuchars

S.N. 3660


lEGislativE council natal

March 30, 1897


DEAR SIR,

I duly received your favour of 27th instant1 and as requested I have to-day presented the Petition you enclosed to the Legislative Council which was received and read by the Clerk of the Council.

Yours truly, a. m. campbEll

S.N. 3663

1 Refer, “Petition to Natal Legislative Council”, CWMG Vol. 2, pp. 236-237.





March 31, 1897SIR,

I am instructed by the Prime Minister to say, in reply to your letter of the 26th instant1, that information cannot be given to you as to the authority on which the paragraph in the Governor’s despatch referred to by you was written2, but a copy of your letter and of this reply will be forwarded by His Excellency for the information of the High Honourable the Secretary of State.




S.N. 2186

1 Refer, “Letter to Natal Colonial Secretary”, CWMG Vol. 2, pp. 235-236.2 M. K. Gandhi in his letter quoting The Natal Mercury of 26-3-1897 had

attributed to the Governor the following statement: “I learn that Mr. Gandhi in coming ashore at so inopportune a moment, when ill-advised persons were angry at the peaceful issue of demonstration and before passions had had time to cool, acted on advice on which he now admits to have been bad.” Refer, CWMG Vol. 2, pp. 236.





April 3, 1897SIR,

I have the honour to inform you, in reply to your letter of the 17th ultimo1, that His Excellency the Governor has been good enough to write to the Imperial Commissioner in British Central Africa asking for the information regarding that territory with which you desire to be furnished.

With regard to the second paragraph of your letter, I am to send you the enclosed copy of a return showing the number of Free Indians who have come into and left this Colony during the six months ended 31st January last; and to state that the Government has no statistics as to emigration and immigration of Free Indians from and into this Colony during the last ten years to place at your disposal.




m. k. Ghandi2 Esq.

p. o. box 66 durban

S.N. 3664

1 This letter is not available.2 As in the source.


158. LETTER FROM SECRETARY FOR ZULULAND

zululand no. 30


natal April 6, 1897

SIR,

In reply to your letter of the 1st instant1, I am directed by the Governor to inform you that he has received instructions from the Secretary of State for the Colonies to issue certain amended regulations, which regulations will be published in due course before any further sales of Erven are held in Zululand.


Your most obedient servant, Sd.

sEcrEtary for zululand


S.N. 3666

1 Refer, “Letter to Secretary for Zululand” CWMG Vol. 2, p. 242.




April 7, 1897SIR,

I am directed to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of yesterday’s date1, about a paragraph in one of His Excellency’s despatches, referring to you.




c. s. o. 35S.N. 3668



April 8, 1897SIR,

I am directed to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of yesterday’s date2, referring to a passage of the Prime Minister’s speech delivered on Monday evening.

I have the honour to be, Yours obedient servant,


m. k. Gandhi Esq., p. o. box 66 durban

S.N. 3669

1 Refer, “Letter to Natal Colonial Secretary” CWMG Vol. 2, pp. 244-245.2 This is not available.



ladysmithApril 8, 1897

DEAR MR. GANDHI,

I shall be glad to get a copy of the “Open Letter”1 by return Post if you have any to spare — I urgently require one.

With kind regards, Yours truly,

d. vindEn S.N. 2245

162. LETTER FROM ANTHONY A. SIMON

isipinGo2

May 6, 1897m. k. Gandhi, Esq., attornEy, fiEld strEEt, durban

SIR,

I beg to inform you to be good enough to send me (if you have any) a copy of the “Memorial to the Right Honourable J. Chamberlain (London) by the British Indians in Natal”3. And other pamphlets send them not paid (postage) and I will pay here. I shall be greatly thankful to you.

I beg to remain, Sir,

Yours obediently servant, anthony a. simon

Please address

anthony a. simon school mastEr, isipinGo

1 Refer, CWMG Vol. 1, pp. 170-188.2 Isipingo is a town situated 19 km. south of Durban in KwaZulu-Natal,

South Africa.3 Refer, CWMG Vol. 2, pp. 140-229.

Letter from A. M. Cameron 157

p. s.I hear that you are going to publish more pamphlets, if

so, kindly send me in each a copy.a. a. s.

S.N. 2316


oakEn holt nEar oxford


I am obliged for your letter of the 16th April1 & shall be happy to see Mr. Nazar2 on his arrival in England.

I am, Yours faithfully,

w. w. huntEr

S.N. 3675


c/o. y. m. c. a. piEtErmaritzburG

May 11, 1897MY DEAR MR. GANDHI,

I am truly grieved to learn of your domestic trouble; but I trust your wife will again be all right. I don’t think the lower portion of the Town is altogether healthy i.e., either that, or all the year round. I had thought that you would have preferred living on the Berea3 (coming down daily to your work), as it

1 This letter is not available.2 Mansukhlal Hiralal Nazar (1862-1906), was a student of Grant Medical

College and a journalist, was a member of the Stockholm Oriental Congress. He arrived in South Africa in 1896 was the first Editor of Indian Opinion and volunteered his services as a member of the Indian Ambulance Corps.

3 The Berea is a ridge above the city of Durban which overlooks the city centre and the Indian Ocean. Berea is also used as a collective designation for the suburbs in the area.


would not only be healthier, but afford you that needful distance from being overrun with clients at all hours (to your very great detriment)

Since coming up from seeing you, I regretted much not having taken the opportunity of being personally known also to your wife; as I feel sure I should have much admired such an enlightened & courageous Indians lady. However, that pleasure may be reserved for a future occasion.

Yes; I shall be happy to hear from you at any time re the proposed Press & Journal. You will see that I should not only assist with my practical knowledge of details including the rocks …1 which will particularly & specially … … or with the literary duties — with the “business” conduct; but, my large (private) connection with papers & editors might be also of use.

Finally, I have not seen the paper you refer to — the Memorial regarding the Demonstration (would and should) much wish to see a copy.

With every kind regards, Yours very sincerely, a. m. camEron

m. k. Gandhi Esq. barristEr at law bEach GrovE durban

S.N. 3676

165. LETTER FROM HAJI OJER ALLY

p. o. box 1153 johannEsburG May 20, 1897

m. k. Gandhi Esq., barristEr at law prEtoria

DEAR SIR,

I beg to own your memo per Russool Hassan on Camroodin regarding contents noted with best thanks — and found all your objections to law No. 3 of 1885 in order. Although I may have

1 Not deciphered.


a suggestion for further exception to the above law, I regret I cannot do so in writing because it is necessary to discuss the point very carefully and if my opinion & contention are correct it would be a very strong point which may break law No. 3 of 1885 simply on technical arguments. Not being a lawyer I may be mistaken in my idea by putting a wrong correction upon that law. I am sorry to say that I am unable to come to Pretoria owing to pressure of business — I thought on your way to Pretoria you would call up here, but it seems to me that although Johannesburg have [sic] to pay two thirds of the expenses yet Pretoria has the sole management of the entire affair. Mind you I do not pretend for a moment to guide you or the legal advisers of the Indians, I must therefore confess at once my full confidence in you — but I find the position complicated and think that the High Court ought to reverse the Government order. But the case must be put fully & plainly before the Court without the least loophole in it — of course you must forgive my ignorance as I am not aware of every steps taken by those who have the case in hand.

In conclusion I trust the Indians will succeed to maintain their position in this state — with kind regards in haste.

Yours faithfully, h. o. ally

[p. s.]Many thanks for your kindly advice in regarding the political

aspects.h. o. a

[p. p. s.]Today’s Star leading article deals with Natal Immigration

law again.S.N. 2349



7, midland tErracE watErloo (n) livErpool

EnGlandMay 22, 1897

m. k. Gandhi advocatE

DEAR SIR,

Your favour of April 21st 1 received with Pamphlets and Documents. I am happy to know my communications reached you safely. The cutting from the “Natal Advertiser,” you sent my Daughter’s letter, some evidence had posted with marginal remarks of a most insulting character, now endorsed, that you may see the devilish spirit, cherished by your enemies. If the Manifesto is published which I desire, I am prepared to expect abuse, insult and ridicule. This is the lot of … 2 you will have read Mr. H. Just. Lectures on the treatment of Natives of British Indians in South Africa. I send you copy of my …3 to him which meets your idea of an emphatic expression of public opinion in England, against the unreasonableness of the European Colonist, in persecuting the Indian race. I think with you it is very desirable to form an association here to educate and enlist the sympathy of men of influence and power in the political world. I have suggested to Mr. H. Just a list of names that might be approached on the subject.

The Envoy you have suggested … Memorial to Mr. Chamberlain, Principal Secretary of State for the Colonies will if a man of ability and wisdom, be able to create a feeling of sympathy and justice towards the Indians of Natal lectures, public meetings and articles in the Journals are means to this end. There should also be an Indian Association having branches at Calcutta, Bombay and Madras — quite distinct from the Indian Congress. This organization ought to [be] formed of men belonging to the commercial and wealthy classes. Willing to subscribe capital in shares to develop the resources of Natal and promote

1 This letter is not available.2 Not deciphered.3 Damaged in the source.


the cultivation of Sugar, tea, tobacco, maize, beans kaffirs corn1 millet and oil giving seeds. The production of which by Indian labour would afford the investor a fair remuneration on Debentures and the labourer a comfortable living wage.

My letter to Mr. Just you will note that I wish to devote sixty acres of land to try the experiment of Indian Co-operatives applied to agriculture — Mr. I. Erving … a writer on ‘South Africa’ gives a description of Sugar Growing at Natal, and … that there are Planters, cultivating their 40 and 50 acres of land in sugar cane who supply central mills and finds it … satisfactorily. I send you a Pamphlet on the Sugar Industry of Queensland. The Government Acts and Regulations, which fully explain the Central Mill System which ought to be adopted on the same lines by the provinces of Natal; I find it is estimated there are in the Colony 32500 acres under Sugar cultivation producing in normal seasons 1 ¼ to 2 tons per acre, according to the quality of soil and the capital invested in the sugar industry in Natal is about £ 2.000.000

The investigation of your friends will enable you to arrive at the profits of Sugar growing both on a small allotment system and a larger scale.

The next industry to sugar is maize growing which is at once a suitable and practical enterprise, immensely adapted to the ability & circumstances of the Indian cultivator.

… 2 that their mode of cropping at Pretoria country is to plant most of their land in the first instance with … Beans. These are planted in rows about 3 feet apart as soon as the Beans are firmly established, mealies are planted, between them — the Beans are ripe when the mealies are about rice high; and as the mealies are approaching maturity, beans are planted again and open among the dry mealie stalks. Thus say the writer the Indian get three crops which will amount to 8 munds of mealies and ten munds of beans per acre. I see … … in market reports white beans worth … of … growing and bean cultivation. The whole work cultivators were employed, the margin of profit will doubtless be increased.

It is very desirable therefore to learn of an acre of maize, beans quality of seeds used I shall then be able to form an opinion of what arrangement to make with any Indian cultivators willing to understand the cultivation of maize upon half … What

1 A Southern African variety of sorghum cultivated in dry regions for its grain and as fodder.



a vast opening exists in the cultivation of this grain. I see by the Budget Report that Mealies have been largely imported the value being £ 243,475 against £ 3930 in 1895 of this amount £ 134,534 worth being sent in transit to the South African Republic.

The total quantity imported was 1,219,317 … and the total sent across the borders was 721,837 … . To this amount must be added the cost of freights, … , bags, profit etc. which will probably more than double it. Independent of the Colonial demand, that of growing for an Export Trade, offers inducements and splendid encouragement do press upon your merchant friends the importance of this agricultural industry, form a Company if you will, to develop agriculture. It will pay. I will draw up a Prospectus and send in next mail. Meanwhile lose no opportunity of buying agricultural lands at the present rates of value, with the incorporation of Zululand with Natal. Land prices will rise especially with the developments which follow the opening up of the … by the … Railway. I enclose … of a letter addressed to Mr. … at Verulum last December to which I have received no reply. Will you write to Mr. Jentin the Wesleyan Minister asking if my steps have been… to answer the communication of which you have a copy forwarded and should no action have been taken, I should take an Indian Committee to undertake the enquiry seeing it concerns the Indian community especially

I have thought it probable that some intelligent educated Indian … living at Verulum on the Tea Plantations beyond, might … on the spot, the particular …, I suppose the difficulties of … construction will be … this summer, and traffic opened to the neighbourhood of the land in which one’s interest lies. Mr. … will be the party to enquire as to the exact spot he wished to buy it. But I decline … my wish being to make it a … Settlement, a model village of … Kindly bring the subject before your council and discuss the proposal, the question waiting solution is whether to …1 into ¼ acre allotments and let out at £ 1 per annum out or to have it laid out in five acre farms. The first would be a settlement of two hundred tenants.

The second some ten or eleven farmers; growing maize, bananas and … which must pay the producer. I recollect Boer … I observe at Cape the Western’s Tariff is raised to a Duty from 4 to 6/lb. Hence a fine opportunity exists to develop an … I know before me the Prospectus of a … — which fulfills a



want and will doubtless revolutionize the manufacture, the … of the … will turn out 2400 … a day. I shall keep you informed of this new invention. There is no fear of Tobacco growing being over alone. It is said the smokers of Britain and Ireland spend on an average 2.6 a year and pay on an average 6th an ounce on seventy eight million pounds of tobacco.

Holland uses 7 lbs per head of population. Austria 3.5 lbs, Denamrk 3.7 lbs, Switzerland …, Belgium 3.2 lbs, Germany 3 lbs, Sweden & Norway each 2.3 lbs, France 2.1 lb, Italy, Russia, Spain about 1. While the United States uses in the … to 41/2 lbs for each … with a world market. There is every incentive to grow tobacco.

Another important food necessary is that of Rice, which ought to be grown to advantage, with … … Mr. Esseny has a plantation of mill rice and … rice at the Reit Valley Estate 5 miles … … from 100 acres he is said to have … 1000 bags of good quality grain — the cultivation of this article is of the utmost importance to the Colony. Will you please write this gentleman and get full … as to cost and returns — it being a necessity of Indian food. I enclose you an article on Tea by a correspondent. The objective to tea growing is that we get no … for 7 years.

Wallie’s also is another source of profit to growers. See cutting on back. I must now conclude hoping to excuse your early reply. I have not had time to send the Documents you so kindly sent, which reached me 4 days ago. I hope to write again by next month.

Yours very truly, w. j. irons

S.N. 3678


167. LETTER FROM M. G. RANADE1

mahablEshvarMay 23, 1897

MY DEAR SIR,

I duly received your letter of the 2nd April2 as also a copy of the memorial addressed3 by the Indian merchants and others settlers in Natal. Now that the English government is trying to secure by force of arms if necessary an equality of rights for the English settlers in Transvaal, this is just the opportunity for our Indian Settlers in Natal to agitate that the same govt. should secure an equality of rights to them to protect them from the oppression of the English colonists. I cannot sufficiently praise your devotion to this cause and I am quite sure that in the end justice will be done to the Indian Settlers. I would suggest that while these troubles in South Africa are giving so much cause for anxiety you should arrange to keep us here informed of what is going on in Natal and Transvaal from week to week or I think from fortnight to fortnight by each mail. If you can arrange to write such a letter by every mail to the Secretary of the Presidency Association in Bombay. We can arrange to give it publicity among public papers here and also keep the British Congress Committee in England duly informed. This will greatly help the cause you have so much at heart.

Yours truly, m. G. ranadE

S.N. 29100

1 Mahadev Govind Ranade (1842-1901), social reformer and author, Judge of the Bombay High Court, one of the founders of the Indian National Congress.

2 Refer, “Circular Letter”, CWMG Vol. 2, pp. 242-243.3 Refer, “Memorial to Secretary of State for the Colonies”, CWMG Vol. 2,

pp. 140-229.

Fragment of a Letter from Haji Ojer Ally 165

168. FRAGMENT OF A LETTER FROM HAJI OJER ALLY

p. o. box 1153 johannEsburGMay 24, 1897

mr. Gandhi EsquirE barristEr at law prEtoria

DEAR SIR,

I regret to learn that my answers to your letter have been miscarried and you did not receive it. I therefore briefly re-state my reply. I found all the points raised on behalf of the Indians correct & in order. I have nothing to add or suggest, but I have an idea that Law No 3 of 1885 was not properly framed & passed by the Volksraads if I am right this exception against that law would be very formidable to report it. In accordance to the …1 or the Constitution of this Country every Bill or intending law before being submitted to the Volksraads, must be published three months previously in the State Courant recently several laws have been reported by the High Court on account of non compliance with the … . I am afraid that the legislators of this country in 1885 were on a very… … therefore they may have … to have Law No 3 of 1885 published three months previously in the … Courant, what the only point I found omitted in your … against that law. Will you kindly ascertain through the … Courant of 1884 or 1885 whether law No 3 of 1885 was duly published three months before it was submitted to the Volksraads. I dare say you will be able to secure the … Courant at your Solicitors’ office or anywhere else in Pretoria — and hope that this information may be of some use to the Indian cause. I would also draw your attention to all the communication passed between Sir G. Barner & others with the Transvaal Government as published in the Green Book Vol I from page 36 to 48 — and also Sir Henry Lock contention as per Green Book Vol II by which I think we ought to be protected by the London Convention —

Enclosed please find a cutting from this mail Graphic in re the South African outlook … of it leads me to believe that in the recently issued Blue Book containing Mr. Chamberlain’s messages

1 The dots indicate not legible.


of indictment against the Transvaal Government breaches of the Convention there may be some despatches in it referring to the Indian disabilities. You may reply at the “Advertiser” office at Pretoria or at Mr. C. Green’s office and please look into it. I may at the same time frankly tell you that for obvious reasons I don’t trust the … Europeans Solicitors, therefore I beg you to be good enough to have a good task to all the … … brief or reminded to be against the Transvaal Government in the case. The High Court … … . I beg to crave you … to my … — and hope you will … … …

With best wishes and kind regards, I remain gratefully yours,

h. o. ally

S.N. 2356

169. LETTER FROM G. S. BROWNMAN, actinG PrinciPal Under Secretary


natalJune 1, 1897

SIR,

With reference to your application of the 17th March1 last for certain information regarding British Central Africa, I have the honour to forward to you, herewith, copy of certain Notes regarding the British Central Africa Protectorate which Her Majesty’s Acting Commissioner and Consul General at Zomba2 has been good enough to furnish for your information.


Your obedient servant, G. s. brownman

actinG principal undEr sEcrEtary

m. k. Gandhi, Esq., p. o. box 66 durban

S.N. 3681

1 This letter is not available.2 Zomba is a city in southern Malawi in the Shire Highlands. It is the

administrative capital of Zomba District.




June 3, 1897SIR,

I am directed to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of yesterday’s date1 re petition of Indian Community with reference to the Immigration Restriction Bill of the last session.


c. bird, principal undEr sEcrEtary


c. s. o. 15S.N. 2372


f. n. 766 in your rEply plEasE rEfEr to no. a /8/3/97


durbanJune 4, 1897

m. k. Gandhi Esq. 53a fiEld strEEt durban

SIR,

In reply to your letter of even date2 two first class compartments will be reserved for the members of the deputation by the 2.10 a.m. train tomorrow morning from Durban to Maritzburg.

1 Refer, “Letter to Natal Colonial Secretary”, CWMG Vol. 2, pp. 256-257.2 This letter is not available.


I have also instructed the Station Master Maritzburg to provide you with similar accommodation on the return journey. The issue of Excursion tickets in connection with Whitsuntide holidays commence tomorrow so the fare to Maritzburg 1st return will be 17/9.

j. m. huntEr actinG GEnEral dEputy manaGEr

S.N. 2373

172. LETTER FROM G. S. BROWNMAN, actinG PrinciPal Under Secretary



June 5, 1897SIR,

With reference to your letter of the 2nd instant1, asking that the transmission to the Secretary of State of the Laws affecting the Indian community which were passed during the last Session of Parliament may be delayed pending receipt of a Petition to the Secretary of State for the Colonies which is now being prepared by the representatives of the Indian community in this Colony, I have the honour to inform you that the Laws referred to have already been sent by His Excellency the Governor to the Secretary of State for the Colonies.


Your obedient servant, G. s. brownman

actinG principal undEr sEcrEtary

m. k. Gandhi, Esq., p. o. box 66, durban

S.N. 3683


Letter from A. Jameson 169

173. LETTER FROM WILLIAM GOOLEY, town clerk

town hall durban

natalJune 18, 1897

mr. m. k. Ghandi1

durban

DEAR SIR,

With respect to your application on behalf of Indian Merchants & Storekeepers for permission to let off fireworks during the Jubilee week, I am directed to inform you that the application cannot be granted.

Yours faithfully, william GoolEy

town clErk

S.N. 2398

174. LETTER FROM A. JAMESON

bEllair2

June 20, 1897DEAR MR. GHANDI3

I fear you must have thought me to be discourteous in not responding to your polite invitation to attend at the opening ceremony of the “Diamond Jubilee Library” — but I have only just noticed the R.S.V.P. in the corner of your committee’s invitation card & was sorry to think I had only done so now instead of earlier, it would have enabled me promptly to respond & while thanking you for your invitation to say then, instead of now, how much I regret that a prior engagement would prevent my being with you on so interesting an occasion.

Well you do me the favour of saying to your Committee that I hope my unfortunate omission will not have led them to think I was indifferent, either to their politeness or the very

1 As in the source.2 A suburb of Durban.3 As in the source.


excellent object they have in hand, it being one that commends itself very readily to all who like myself, take a warm interest in the welfare & progress of the Burgesses of our Town.

I wish for you and your fellow workers, in this new departure, every success, and think this should be assured if you are actively interested in it personally.

Yours faithfully, a. jamEson

m. k. Gandhi Esq. solicitor, durban

S.N. 3685

175. LETTER FROM E. W. GAINSFORD

durbanJune 28, 1897

SIR,

Mr. Arthur James, a member of your Congress speaking about your intention to start a newspaper in the interests of the Indian population has induced me to write and offer my services as manager if you have not your staff already together.

Mr. James, I may say is a very efficient machinist, and being able to converse in the Indian language would be valuable in more respects than one, of his abilities I speak from experience as he has been under my eye for the past 12 months and he does some good work. For myself I have had over 30 years Colonial experience as Overseer in the Cape Colony and Natal. Should you be in need of a thorough practical man I shall be glad to meet you.

Hoping you will excuse my advance and that you will consider this on both our parts.

I beg to remain, Yours faithfully,

Dear sir, E. w. Gainsford 61 albErt strEEt

m. k. Ghandi1 Esq., advocatE fiEld strEEt

S.N. 3686

1 As in the source.

Letter from C. E. Braun 171

176. LETTER FROM C. E. BRAUN

maritzburGJuly 9, 1897

mr. m. k. Gandi1

SIR,

I trust you have received the estimate. I sent (through W. Wilth Herbert) for printing plant etc., which will be sufficient for a start on your newspaper.

This morning W. Wilth Herbert informed me that he has a second hand “hand press” in Durban “Super Royal” which he will sell for £ 30.0.0 and would suit you well for the present.

I would like to know if you & the shareholders have decided to commence operation, if so, I shall have to get composition, printer etc and the sooner I can engage them the better.

Of course the majority of them have to give a certain notice to their present employers. As for myself I have things in hand that I must finish before I can get away, but will do so as soon as I receive your decision.

The remainder of the Book-binding, printing machinery, type etc. can be obtained from the manufacturer at home by return Steamer, but it would be as well to first write for estimates, which I will do if you think well. Should you require further information, write, or wire me, and I will go down to Durban at once. Sunday would suit me best.

Awaiting your repliesI remain,

Sir, Yours faithfully, c. E. braun

S.N. 3687

1 As in the source.





August 13, 1897SIR,

I have the honour to inform you, in reply to your letter of the 12th instant1, that Rules under the Act No. 18, 1897, have been drafted and will be submitted for approval at the next meeting of the Executive Council.




m. k. Gandhi Esq. 53a, fiEld strEEt durban

S.N. 3689

178. A LETTER FROM A. M. CAMERON

c/o. y. m. c. a. piEtErmaritzburG

August 26, 1897MY DEAR MR. GANDHI,

Thanks for your letter. It is easier for me to write no letters than to go about hunting up Bhayat — but I shall endeavour to do so (when I have the time). I am obliged to you regarding U. K.’s steamers but there are other 2 or 3, and I should not care to delay long here. I have no doubt you see one or two Indian papers but you have no idea of the horrible state of affairs there at present — the wheels of the car of Liberty & Freedom


A Letter from A. M. Cameron 173

are being entirely destroyed by the “powers that be” at present there. As I believe I told you, I have been connected with every forward & upward movement for 2 generations in India before even old Hume1 was known. I reckon him one of my converts, writing often in leading native papers and in other ways, & I feel must be there now. My heart is about crushed at seeing the follies perpetrated in Lord Elgin’s reign. Of course, if I cannot get one of these Indian steamers for the price named, I shall proceed by the “Natal Direct Line” even if I have to pay more if I shall land in Calcutta instead of landing in Bombay. I shall prefer landing in Bombay. So please let me know as soon as you can, if this is all right.

You will have seen the Editor of the “Advertiser” controverting (partially) my statements! He makes these N. W. Tribes2 affair to be an internal affair not knowing that they are quite independent and we actually pay them (subsidies) to keep them quiet. He also compares them to these poor Kafirs! Of course, he does not know. I may write again correcting him.

With kind regards, Yours sincerely,

a. m. camEron

m. k. Gandhi Esq. barristEr at law bEach GrovE, durban

[p. s.]The Lucknow Advocate is the best Native journal in all

North India and is partly owned and conducted by Barrister, The Varma brothers. It independently took the Poona Sabha’s part against Lord Elgin.

S.N. 2506

1 Allan Octavian Hume (1829-1912), civil servant, ornithologist, botanist and one of the founders of the Indian National Congress.

2 Probably the indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest Coast.





August 30, 1897SIR,

I have the honour to inform you that His Excellency the Governor has received a Despatch from the Right Honourable the Secretary of State for the Colonies acknowledging the receipt of the Address to Her Majesty the Queen1 from British Indians resident in Natal.

The Secretary of State has laid the Address before Her Majesty who has been pleased to command him to desire His Excellency to convey Her thanks to the senders of the Address for their congratulations.

I have accordingly to convey to you the above for your information.





S.N. 3690

1 Refer, “Address to Queen Victoria”, CWMG Vol. 2, p. 255.

Letter from Maghoo Indian 175

180. LETTER FROM MAGHOO INDIAN

durbanSeptember 7, [1897] 1

to sir mr. Gandhi Esq.,

I was in N[atal] G[overnment] R[ailway] Department for 18 years & I was a constable’s fox, 5 years in Railways & Sir I was for several years in Railways & Mr. …2 he has brought me from Morries. And at last I was working in Ladysmith Gate Keeper. As my both legs cut out from train. And Mr. … & Government Sir Railway has promised to give me house to live & wages & clothing because, I can’t work my both legs is cut down & Sir for 3 years, I had food, clothing and wages and house to live from Mr. Harman Esq. and now Mr. Harman sacked me out from the Railway because once Mr. D. Hunter came in Railway business. I told him, Sir want to stay in your depot so Mr. D. Hunter told me that you can work on depot gate keeper so I will pay you 25 shillings a month. So I went to Mr Harman Esq. to get the job I fixed in office accommodation. I told him that Mr. Hunter Esq. told me to work on depot gatekeeper so he told me give me 10 shillings then I will speak with Mr. Harman for you job. Mr. Harman told me give me pound £ 1.10.0 shillings then I will give you the job. And Sir then I have no money. I no pay them so they kicked me out and they not give my free pass. Sir Mr. … of Railways, Mr. … Esq. has promised to give me wages and house to live but this is not right to do so Mr. Harman or to pay me wages and house to live and once more I seen to Mr. Harman he told me next time fine me £ 5.0.0. then I will pay you wages & house. And he sent me gaol. Police came and kicked me out from burrix [sic] &, now, I beg from peoples in corporations burrix they feed me but no house to live so I got a wife I got no clothing to wear on so I like you to take this case on court about this sir I got witness for this.

I am yours truly, maGhoo indian

S.N. 2521

1 From the Sabarmati Ashram’s archival database entry.2 Not deciphered.




natalSeptember 8, 1897

SIR,

I am directed to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of yesterday’s date1 regarding seventy five Indian hawkers who have been arrested at Dundee.2




c. s. o. 15S.N. 2523


c/o y. m. c. a. piEtErmaritzburG

September 9, 1897DEAR MR. GANDHI,

I returned yesterday morning to P. M. Burg & got your note.Pray convey to Mr. Abdul Karim my best thanks for his

offer of the passage being free, save in regard to the crossing arrangements with the Captain.

I should like to hear from you when the steamer has actually arrived; so that I may at once communicate with the Captain,

1 This letter is not available.2 This refers to a case of Indians, described as Arabs, prosecuted at

Dundee under the Immigration Restriction Act. M. K. Gandhi appeared on their behalf and secured their discharge. Refer, “Letter to the Natal Mercury”, CWMG Vol. 2, pp. 290-294.


& make other arrangements regarding my having my fare and equipment. I hope I shall not miss the next A, but should I chance to do so, I shall have to wait for the next opportunity! That will be too bad.

I am sorry I have to go at once into the interior, & don’t know how long I shall be away; but my letter to above address will always find me; and I may ask you not to hesitate; or refrain from writing at anytime, & for any occasion, you may like.

With kind regards, a. m. camEron

m. k. Gandhi barristEr-at-law, bEach GrovE, durban

S.N. 2524




September 18, 1897SIR,

With reference to your letter of the 16th instant1, I have the honour to inform you that, since the date of my letter to you of the 13th ultimo2, a meeting of the Executive Council has been held, at which the rules framed under the Act No. 18, 1897, were approved, and the rules will be promulgated in next week’s issue of the Government Gazette.




m. k. Gandhi Esq., 53a, fiEld strEEt, durban

S.N. 2533




GoodrickE, lauGhton & cookE latE GoodrickE & son advocatEs, solicitors and notariEs public

335 smith strEEt durban


DEAR MR. GANDHI,

Mr. Escombe will meet a deputation at his home at 8 o’clock tonight.

I think it would be well if you were to give me as an instance of Indian grievances, the market question, and solicit his interest for the Indians which would be as powerful with the mayor. Be careful that all is not spoilt by you being seen.

Yours truly, f. a. lauGhton

I suppose I can write that you will be there at 8 o’clock. S.N. 2545


washinGton housE 72, anErlEy park

london, s. E.September 24, 1897

DEAR MR. GANDHI,

Your agent whom you sent to attend to the case of the Indians here, has seen me once, and as he was now attending to his business and promised to see me again, I have not been able to do anything; and I do not know what he has been doing.


m. k. Gandhi 53a, fiEld st durban natal

S.N. 2546

Letter from Harry Escombe 179


durbanSeptember 27, 1897

DEAR MR. GANDHI

You did some work well on Saturday morning was a better move made as I feel some results will show.

Did you arrange anything about the Indian market? Something ought to strike before the iron is cold.


S.N. 2548

187. LETTER FROM HARRY ESCOMBE

primE ministEr’s officE piEtErmaritzburG


DEAR MR. GANDHI

I beg you will convey to the Indians the value I set on this good opinion.

I shall endeavour to deserve it by fairness and consideration for their wishes and feelings.

I thank you for bringing me into closer touch with them, you have enabled us to understand one another better in itself is a good gain.

It is quite likely I may be out of office before the week is out as I have no idea of carrying on the government with sufferance of men who will not support my policy.

The step if taken will not weaken me & it will let you understand the vital importance of the verdict of Saturday in my favour.

With kind regards, I am faithfully,

harry EscombE

m. k. Gandhi Esq.

S.N. 2549




September 30, 1897SIR,

I am directed to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 28th instant1, applying for a certificate of domicile for one Abbas Ali Mahomed.




c. s. o. 15S.N. 3691

189. LETTER FROM J. M. SAUNDERS 2

The Englishman6 marloEs road

kEnsinGton london

October 1, 1897DEAR SIR

I have the pleasure to enclose P[ost] O[ffice] O[rder] for £ 1 for the Transvaal you so kindly sent me. The amount due is really £ 1.0.1 but the odd penny I will send you next time. It is easier to send P.O.O. for 20 shillings than for 20 shillings and a penny. I leave for India middle of December — or perhaps

1 This letter is not available.2 Editor of The Englishman.

Letter from John Dougall 181

you would kindly acknowledge receipt of this to above address. Again thanking you for your courtesy & kindness.

Yours truly, j. m. saundErs

Value of stamps10s. 0d. 5s. 0d. 2s. 6d. 6d. 4d.

m. k. Gandhi Esq., 53a, fiEld strEEt durban, natal

[p. s.]Would you kindly let me know if you received the last P. O.?

S.N. 2556

190. LETTER FROM JOHN DOUGALL

privatE

Real Estate and General Agency Office

john douGall accountant, auditor and GEnEral aGEnt tEl. addrEss: “richt” p. o. box 542

burEau lanE church squarE

prEtoria October 18, 1897

m. k. Gandhi Esq. fiEld strEEt durban

SIR,

I am a stranger to you but I trust you will not deem me intrusive in now addressing you on a subject which I imagine


is of interest to yourself and friends. I mean the position of Indian Merchants & Traders in South Africa.

I have often times wondered why the Indian Merchants do not take more effective means for securing and bettering their position in Africa. That is, in a different manner from what they have hitherto done.

The whole country is before them and yet many will persist in adhering to ways of doing business prejudicial to their own interests.

But I would first like to know if any proposals for improving this position is likely to be acceptable and fairly considered by yourself and friends among them, Indian Merchants in Natal and India. If this is so I shall be glad to hear from you at your convenience. I may state that I have had a varied commercial experience in South Africa. 10 years in Durban and 16 years in Transvaal.

As I have written I am a stranger to you, but I am well known here as also to many in Durban of whom I might name Mr. G. A. de R. Labistour1 Solicitor and Atkinson’s & Sons & Parker Woods & Co. Merchants there.

I am, Sir,

Yours faithfully, john douGall

S.N. 2571

191. LETTER FROM M. M. BHOWNAGGREE

londonOctober 29, 1897

jasminE lodGE, spEncEr road, chiswick

MY DEAR SIR,

May I beg you to convey the enclosed letter2 to those gentlemen who were good enough to send me their congratulations,

1 Gustave Aristide de Roquefeuil Labistour, the advocate, who refused to oppose M. K. Gandhi’s admission to the bar on behalf of Natal Law Society in 1894 later became the Attorney General of Natal.


Letter from M. M. Bhownaggree 183

and also to accept my thanks yourself for the kind expression you sent me.

Mr. Nazir1 must have informed you from time to time of the consultations he has been having with myself and others who sympathise in the various questions affecting the treatment of the British Indian Community in Natal, and who are willing to do what they can about it.

Your communications have duly reached me, the last of which was your letter of the 18th September2, together with enclosures. Although I am not able to write you at length from time to time, and the necessity for it is not existing, as Mr. Nazir is on the spot, and I believe keeps you regularly informed, I am doing all I can to secure the object you have in view. Unfortunately there are great difficulties in the way, as you know, — not lessened by recent events in India, which have caused much distrust of the motives of local Indian politicians, and, unfortunately, of the loyalty of natives generally. However, we are trying to do all that can be done, and to exercise much caution and forbearance in doing it, in order eventually to secure the better treatment of the community in Natal.

I shall be able later on to write you more definitely; but, in the meantime, I may say that Mr. Nazir spares no pains to exert himself for the mission he has from you and your friends, and that his presence here will be of much use until open and concerted action can be taken, which, for the present, for several reasons, is I understand by the advice of other friends, held in abeyance.

Believe me to be, Yours very truly,

m. m. bhownaGGrEE

m. k. Ghandhi3 Esq., barristEr-at-law, durban

S.N. 2580

1 M. H. Nazar.2 This letter is not available.3 As in the original.


192. LETTER FROM DEVI DAYAL

c/o. mEssrs thomas cook & son london

November 4, 1897DEAR SIR,

You will be surprised to receive a letter from me who am a quite stranger to you but being influenced by …1 … … I can not … to ask your advice. I am studying here for Law and will be called to the Bar very shortly but I am thinking to start my practise in Cape Town, somewhere in the neighbourhood as I do not know anything of that country. Therefore I shall be very much obliged to you if you will kindly furnish me with all the particulars whether it will be advisable for me or not. Mr. Dinshaw2 was good enough to give me some of your papers which you have written on Indian provinces. I read them with great interest. I think you are doing a great deal for your country. I am not and so mention that I am a Punjabi of a very good family. Your sharp reply will greatly oblige me.

Yours faithfully, dEvi dayal

S.N. 2584


maritzburGNovember 11, 1897


DEAR SIR,

Shaik Farad to Indian Congress

I have your letter with cheque and documents as advised. I return the Bank’s consent herewith in order that you may insert

1 Not deciphered.2 Dinshaw Petit.


…1 the consent is “free of the Bond” or “subject to the Bond”. Will you kindly do this and return the consent to me in order that I may proceed to obtain registration. Kindly … send me a further cheque … £ 5-7-6 disbursements herein.

Yours truly, E. G. millEr for w. E. pitchEr

S.N. 3692


w. E. pitchEr advocatE

maritzburG,November 13, 1897


Re: Shaik Fareed to Congress

DEAR SIR,

I have your letter with the draft duly amended as required. The amendment was required by the R/Deed who tells me this is practice. Kindly forward cheque £ 5 as submitted in your letter. The matter has attention and I shall wire as soon as registration is completed.

Suliman Essop

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter with bill of costs for the Master’s reconsideration and I shall do my best to get the item allowed as soon as I can get an opportunity of interviewing the Master. I hope to do so on Monday.

Yours truly, w. E. pitchEr

S.N. 2589



195. LETTER FROM JOHN DOUGALL

rEal EstatE and GEnEral aGEncy officE

john douGall accountant, auditor, and GEnEral aGEnt tEl. addrEss: “richt” p. o. box 542

burEau lanE church squarE

prEtoriaNovember 16, 1897

m. k. Gandhi Esqr., post box no. 66 durban

DEAR SIR,

I duly received your letter of 4th instant1 but have not yet received the first letter you posted to me. Since writing to you it has occurred to me that before writing to you again it would possibly help you better and be a saving of your time and efforts if I first consulted on the subject with Tayob Amod of this town. I find he is now in Durban but is expected back here next week. Tayob Amod has been in Pretoria for some 15 years or so and his knowledge and experience of the situation in the Transvaal will be valuable and he will therefore be a good and fair judge of the proposition I have in my mind for to some extent improving the position of the Indian Community in this State — after consultation with Tayob I will again write you.

Yours faithfully, john douGall

S.N. 2594





SIR,

With reference to your letter of the 13th instant1 on the subject of reports which have appeared in the papers regarding alleged attempts of Indians to come into the Colony by way of Delagoa Bay, I have the honour to inform you that the Government has never stated, nor has it reason to believe, that there exists in Natal an organization for the purpose of setting the Immigration Restriction Act at defiance.

I am, & c., c. bird


S.N. 2599



london, s. E.November 18, 1897

DEAR SIR,

I have received your letter of 18th September2 last, enclosing a letter addressed to me by the Representatives of the Indian Community of Natal. I at once communicated with Right Honourable J. Chamberlain, the Colonial Secretary and I now enclose copy of my letter and the Secretary’s reply3 from which you will see that he is in communication with the Government of Natal on the subject of preserving the rights of those of Her Majesty’s

1 Refer, “Letter to Natal Colonial Secretary”, CWMG Vol. 2, p. 294.2 Refer, “Letter to Dadabhai Naoroji”, CWMG Vol. 2, p. 289. M. K. Gandhi

in his letter of 18-9-1897 sent contentions which could be raised by Dadabhai Naoroji on Chamberlain’s address to the Colonial Premiers on the subject of Alien Immigration. Gandhi also wrote to Sir William Wedderburn on the same subject.

3 These letters are not available.


Indian subjects who were already resident in Natal when the Immigration Restriction Act was passed.


m. k. Gandhi Esq. advocatE 53a fiEld strEEt durban, Natal

S.N. 2596



m. k. Gandhi Esq., advocatE durban

DEAR SIR,

Congress Transfer

I was hoping that I should have been able to send this down tonight duly completed but I have not been able to manage it — the Deputy of Deeds rejected the transfer on the ground that the memo of acceptance by the trustees must be embodied in the deed itself and not contained in a separate endorsement. I pointed out to him that deeds in this identical form have been accepted before he admits this but says the practice is a bad one and he intends to stop it — I am having the deeds re-engrossed to meet this objection but there is yet another objection — He asks for some authority for the insulation of the promise that the Congress shall have liberty to sell the property. Have the trustees got this power under the deed creating the trust? If not, I am afraid he won’t pass a deed to the trustees otherwise than in terms of their trust.


S.N. 2605

Letter from R. Mard 189


piEtErmaritzburGNovember 29, 1897


Congress Transfer

DEAR SIR,

I have seen the deeds people again today on this matter and the Registrar has promised to give me a final decision tomorrow morning as to whether he will let it go through or not.


S.N. 3693

200. LETTER FROM R. MARD

all communication to bE addrEssEd to thE sEcrEtary

administrator’s officE bulawayo

November 30, 1897

m. k. Gandhi Esq. fiEld strEEt durban

DEAR SIR,

In reply to your letter of the 11th instant1 I beg to inform you there is no legal prohibition to the issue of trading licenses to Indians, but the Law lays down that they must be furnished with a certificate by the Police that they are fit and proper persons to obtain a license.



The number of applicants for such licenses is very large and the Police have instructions to be exceedingly careful in recommending any person for such a privilege.

I am, Dear sir,

Yours faithfully, r. mard sEcrEtary

S.N. 3694


piEtErmaritzburGNovember 30, 1897


DEAR SIR,

Re Congress Transfer

I have succeeded in getting over the difficulty in this matter and registration is now proceeding.

Yours truly, william E. pitchEr

S.N. 2609


piEtErmaritzburGDecember 1, 1897


Re Indian Congress

DEAR SIR,

Herewith I send you this Deed of Transfer duly registered together with the titles of the property & together also with the existing M[oney]/Bond debited to the purchasers.


Letter from M. M. Bhownaggree 191

[p. s.]I also return the transfer from Nidha sent by you.

w. E. p.S.N. 2612

203. LETTER FROM M. M. BHOWNAGGREE

londonDecember 2, 1897

m. k. Ghandi1 Esq., barristEr-at-law p. o. box 66 durban natal

DEAR SIR,

Will you please place the accompanying letter2 before the Committee of the British Indian Residents? I have fully explained my views in it, and I must repeat that Mr. Nazir3 must be enabled to stop here for some time and carry on the work entrusted to him by means of some such Committee in London as I describe in the letter.

Yours faithfully, m. m. bhownaGGrEE

S.N. 2613

1 As in the source.2 This letter is not available.3 M. H. Nazar.


204. LETTER FROM L. M. NAIDOO

p. o. box 1154 johannEsburG

December 6, 1897

m. k. Ghandi1 Esq.,

advocatE durban

SIR,

Will you be good enough to forward me copies of the pamphlets2 you published in India, regarding the treatment of the Indians in Natal and the South African Republic? Although my non acquaintance with you does not justify my making this request, but having the knowledge that you will not refuse it, I venture to entreat you to grant it. My object in writing for them is no other than a mere desire to peruse them.

I am, Sir,

Your humble obedient servant, l. m. naidoo

S.N. 2614

205. LETTER FROM M. H. DOMBO

hilton,December 7, 1897

DEAR SIR,

This is to introduce to you an Indian named Mohabully and a young Indian female named Prembdi whom he has brought from childhood. I know him as a respectable Indian farmer for some years past resident at Boshoffs3 …4 near here a short time ago (Oct 18th 1897) during his absence from house an India named “Samaroo” came to his house about six o’clock p.m. and told the girl Prembdi to give him all the money in the house and they would

1 As in the source.2 The Green Pamphlet.3 Boshof is a farming town in the west of the Free State province, South

Africa.4 Not deciphered.

Letter from M. H. Dombo 193

then run away to Johannesburg. She then got the money (about £ 60) and he received it from her and they went away together.

Mohabully came to me next day for advice and … … Durban and … Railway Police and Natal police Charlestown and two were eventually arrived at Pietermaritzburg. Some money was found on Samaroo at the time and a day or two later when searching his clothes in Gaol about £ 60 was found concealed about him, but the magistrate dismissed the case presumably as money cannot be identified as stolen property or else upon the ground that it was his own money or had been given to him by Prembdi he not knowing it to be stolen. Be thus as it may the case dropped through and Mohabully is a … sufferer but thinks (and I agree with him) that you are the most likely man to still looks up another case and get him such restitution as is possible. My own idea is that the girl’s (Prembdi) admission that she stole the money or removed it at Samaroo’s request and during Mohabully’s absence and without his permission would go far to warrant a charge against Samaroo for recovering stolen property and even requesting the girl to hand it to him.

Personally I have no concern or interest in the matter beyond what is commonly known as a -… … another to obtain justice and recover at least some of his lots; although no doubt a good deal of the money has been squandered thus.

I admit it will be a difficult matter to bring to a successful issue but you will of course have to study it in all its bearings and give Mohabully your candid opinion and advice and take what action appears best.

If in any direction I can render assistance I shall be pleased to do so.

Yours truly, m. h. dombo

p. s.

my addrEss is m. h. dombo station mastEr hilton road

to Gandhi Esq. solicitor durban

S.N. 26181

1 From the Sabarmati Ashram’s archival database entry. On the original document it reads S.N. 2617 which is incorrect.



maritzburGDecember 10, 1897


DEAR SIR,

Your letter with Bond & deeds obtained — the Bank has cancelled the cession …1 the Bond so that the result is the Bond still exists but reverts to Ferguson — I send it back for you to leave this part right — please ask the Bank to lend Mr. Loath £ 1/a for production here.


S.N. 3695




Fareed to Ferguson

DEAR SIR,

Herewith I send you this m/Bond duly cancelled together with the titles of the property.


S.N. 3696


Letter from C. M. Pillay 195

208. LETTER FROM C. M. PILLAY

nEw primrosE G. m. c. GErmiston station

December 26, 1897

mr. m. k. Gandhi Esq.

DEAR SIR,

I take the liberty of addressing you once more.Will you kindly send me some more of your Pamphlets1,

the lot you sent me last time I lent to some of my European acquaintances. They have not returned them to me, and it is most unlikely that they would do so. I hope I am not giving unnecessary troubles.

Conclude wishing you a merry Christmas, & a happy New Year.

Yours sincerely, c. m. pillay

p. s.Have you got a copy of the “Indian Marriage Law”[?]

c. m. p. S.N. 3697

1 Probably the Green Pamphlet.


209. LETTER FROM WILLIAM GOOLEY, town clerk

town officE durban

natalApril 2, 1898

m. k. Gandhi, Esq., solicitor,

DEAR SIR,

Replying to yours of 31st ultimo1 I have pleasure in handing you herewith copy of draft Bill “To amend Act No. 18 of 1897.”

Yours faithfully, w. GoolEy town clErk

S.N. 3750

210. FRAGMENT OF A LETTER FROM L. LIONEL GOLDSMID

“thE owl” 5, chartEr hotEl chambErs

bulawayoApril 2, 1898

conductEd by l. lionEl Goldsmid p o box 270 tEl add. ‘Goldsmid’ mr. advocatE Ghandi2

durban, natal

DEAR SIR,

Acting upon the advice of the Hon. Ahmed Effendi3 I am writing you upon the Indian question.

1 This letter is not available.2 As in the source.3 Osman Ahmed Effendi, the proprietor of Al ISLAM — a weekly journal.

Letter from L. Lionel Goldsmid 197

The position of the Indian immigrants is most unfortunate & one that reflects great discredit upon the leading men of that race.

The disabilities under which the Indian exists in Rhodesia are such as would not be tolerated by any other race of human beings.

I have recently resigned my position as Editor of the above journal but in consideration of the position & grievances of your fellow countrymen I am prepared to use the paper which I have registered (i.e. “The Critic”) for the purpose of trying to ameliorate their present unfortunate condition.

Unfortunately the bad state of trade in Bulawayo has had its effect upon my resources consequently I find myself unable to start the paper on my own initiative as my money is entirely locked up in shares upon which it is impossible for me to realise at the present moment.

The Indians in Bulawayo are not sufficiently well to do to commence a paper upon their own account and consequently I have been approached by the Effendi and other leading Mahommedans to write you and ask for your assistance.

S.N. 3703

211. LETTER FROM L. LIONEL GOLDSMID

“thE owl” 5, chartEr hotEl chambErs

bulawayoApril 2, 1898

MR. ADVOCATE GHANDI,1

A sum of £ 150 to £ 200 would be sufficient for the original outlay for machinery and type after that there would be no necessity for further payments as the paper would by its advertisements be able to pay my salary and the wages of the men; any surplus resulting might be used for the purpose of starting an Indian Protection Fund.

In the event of your not caring to place the money in my hands it could be forwarded either to the Hon. Effendi or to a committee of local Indians.

1 As in the source


Certain it is that by having an organ of their own printed in the language of the country they could not only …1 their views clearly a concisely but force them to be taken notice of.

I am writing by this mail to Messrs Abdullah & Co of your city and also to Mr. Joseph Gool2 of Cape Town whose opinions I await.

Awaiting the courtesy of your early reply and trusting the matter will receive your careful consideration.


Your obedient servant, l. lionEl Goldsmid a.c.p.

[p. s.]It is proposed here to form a syndicate with £ 1

shares, — Kindly inform me how many you would personally take, & how many could be subscribed in Natal.

l. l. G.S.N. 3703A

212. LETTER FROM AHMED EFFENDI

c/o. bank of africa bulawayo rhodEsia

April 5, 1898

mr advocatE Ghandi 3

DEAR SIR

Although I am a stranger to you I have heard so much about your goodness to your Indian countrymen and to the Mohammedans in South Africa in England that I venture to write to you. The position of the Indians in Rhodesia is one that requires immediate attention. In Rhodesia generally and in Bulawayo particularly the Indians are treated very harshly in some instances worse than Kaffirs. What I would suggest is that a Syndicate be formed with a capital of say £ 250 & a paper

1 Damaged in the source.2 Joosub M. H. Gool.3 As in the source.

Letter from C. P. Harvey 199

be started in English to support the Indians and to force the Chartered Company 1 to deal fairly with them. At present there is in Bulawayo a gentleman who has considerable experience as an Editor. This gentleman used to be Editor of a local paper & invariably supported Indians. Besides which he has travelled in India and is well acquainted with the Indian character. If this syndicate could be formed, I am prepared to take fifteen shares myself and I think that I could get another 25 shares taken up in Bulawayo. Awaiting your reply.

Yours faithfully, ahmEd EffEndi 2

[p. s.]The gentleman I refer to is Mr. L. Lionel Goldsmid

S.N. 3706

213. LETTER FROM C. P. HARVEY

31, fiEld st. buildinGs durban

[April 14, 1898] 3

c. p. harvEy accountant collEctor for dr. princE

I hereby beg to send you an Account due to Dr. Prince, and shall be pleased to receive payment of same in due course.

Yours truly, c. p. harvEy

1 At that time Rhodesia was administered by a Chartered Company.2 Signed in Urdu also.3 As per the note on the enclosure (pasted) in M. K. Gandhi’s hand,

“Check[sic] sent on 14-4-1898 received same day.”


Enclosure:

S.N. 2717




May 26, 1898SIR,

With reference to your letter of the 19th instant1 I have the honour to inform you that the message of congratulation



from the Indians of Natal to Her Majesty the Queen1 was duly communicated to the Secretary of State for the Colonies on the 24th instant, the word “eightieth” being altered to “seventy-ninth”; and that payment will be made of the account for the transmission of this message, and the receipt sent to you.




m. k. Gandhi Esq., p. o. box 66, durban.

S.N. 3707



natal June 6, 1898

SIR,

With reference to my letter to you of the 26th instant2, I have now the honour to forward herewith a receipted voucher for the transmission of the message of congratulation to Her Majesty the Queen from the Indians of Natal; also a cheque in your favour for the balance of the amount sent by you.





S.N. 2746

1 Refer, CWMG Vol. 2, p. 255.2 This letter is not available.


216. LETTER FROM P. DAVID HUNTER

f. no. 766 in your rEply plEasE rEfEr to a. 7360. 98


durbanJune 6, 1898


DEAR SIR,

With reference to your letter of 28th instant1 previously acknowledged, I beg to inform you that I have made enquiries into the matter and given instructions for Indian passengers holding 1st and 2nd class tickets to be allowed to enter at the door reserved for passengers of those classes.

Yours faithfully, p. david huntEr GEnEral manaGEr

S.N. 2745

217. LETTER FROM RAHIM K. KHAN 2

common room lincoln’s inn. w. c.

london June 18, 1898

DEAR MR. GANDHI,

Many thanks for yours. I have been considering all along since the receipt of your letter whether I should pitch upon Natal

1 This letter is not available.2 A member of the Lincoln’s Inn who was called to the Bar in 1898

and went to South Africa in 1899. Rahimkhan Karimkhan, the only son of the late Karimkhan of Bombay had been the Private Secretary to the Aga Khan. He passed his examinations in Easter Term 1898 and was called to the bar on

Letter from Rahim K. Khan 203

as a place where I should settle down and now I may say I have come to the conclusion that I should act on your advice of at least paying a visit to Natal and then to see for myself whether it would be best to do so. Mr. Pundit1 the barrister of Rajkot is here with his son who he proposes to educate at Oxford.

I had a talk with him and he also approves of my intention of proceeding to Natal.

I am here availing myself of your kind offer of supplying me any further information I may desire, I have here to ask you to be so good as to acquaint me with the ordinary expenses for board and residence per month and further whether it is advisable to stock oneself up with clothing from here and if so the texture should be light or not. It is very probable that I will start from here in or about four months from this date.

I trust you are enjoying very good health.I remain,

Sincerely yours, rahim k. khan

S.N. 2758

22-6-1898. On the 27-6-1898 he was granted a certificate of call in order that he could practise abroad. (Courtesy: The Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn)

1 Ranjit Pandit.


218. LETTER FROM TOWN CLERK

mEmorandum

town officE, nEw castlE,

natalJune 18, 1898

m. k. Gandhi Esq. box 66. durban.

Re. Conditions of sale of Erven or Town Lands.

DEAR SIR,

I am desired to acknowledge receipt of your letter of 16th 1 curt herein and to state that the same will be brought before the Town Council in due course.

Yours truly, Sd.

town clErk

S.N. 2759




June 22, 1898SIR,

With further reference to your letter of the 19th ultimo2, I have the honour to inform you that the Administrator has received a despatch from the Secretary of State for the Colonies, acknowledging his receipt of the cable message sent on the 24th



May, conveying the humble and loyal congratulations of the Natal Indians to Her Majesty the Queen on Her 79th Birthday1, and that His Excellency has been commanded to express Her Majesty’s thanks to the Indians of Natal for their loyal message.





S.N. 2760


durbanJune 24, 1898

DEAR MR. GANDHI,

Re P. Dowji Mahomed & Husseini

P. Dowji Mahomed, having consulted you, having got you to write a demand, consulted me without saying anything about you. If he had done so, if as in I would have refused to interfere. I then wrote to Mr. Dowji & then for the first time heard of you & advised the Plaintiff. He had no ears.

It seems to me that your client has not a leg to stand on for the following reasons: —

When a man deals with another as a principal but when he afterwards discovers to be an agent, he has an election as the time of said discovery to debit the then disclosed principal or continue to look to the agent. This is bound by his election whichever was it may be (Se. Add: on Contiate, 7th Road, 44 & Smethurst-Mitchell, 28 L.I. (NS) Zul)

Having delivered the goods to the Dowji and having received their receipt the Plaintiff was subsequently informed that the Umgeni Brick Co. were the principal and was requested to debit them. He was then called upon to elect & he did elect by

1 Refer, CWMG Vol. 2, p. 255.


altering the invoice of the goods which had been made out to the Dowji by substituting the name of the Brick Co.

Under these circumstances I think it impossible for the plaintiff to succeed.

Excuse any interfering but I have been asked to act for each party & am going to act for neither, but I do not wish either to lose their money.


S.N. 2764




June 30, 1898SIR,

In reply to your letter of the 25th instant1 I have the honour to inform you that the Circular in question was intended to apply only to country districts and that it was sent in error to the Magistrate of Durban from whom it has been recalled.

In view of the number of medical practitioners in Durban and of the existence of a Hospital maintained by the Government, it is not considered necessary to apply to the Borough the provisions of the Circular referred to.





S.N. 3708






July 9, 1898SIR,

In answer to your letter of the 10th instant1, I have the honour to inform you that no representations have been made to the Government as to the necessity for providing medical aid to indigent persons other than Europeans. As regards cases in which persons other than Europeans may seek medical aid from the Government, each case will be dealt with on its merits.




mr. m. k. Gandhi Esq., 53a fiEld strEEt, durban.

S.N. 3709






July 20, 1898

SIR,

I have the honour to forward, as requested in your letter of the 30th ultimo1, copy of the correspondence regarding Indian Immigration recently placed before Parliament.

I regret that there has been so much delay in the forwarding of this correspondence.




m. k. Gandhi Esq., p. o. box 66 durban.

S.N. 2772




July 29, 1898SIR,

I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of yesterday’s date2, and to request that you will be so good as

1 This letter is not available. 2 This letter is not available.

Letter from William Wilson Hunter 209

to send me a copy of the previous communication referred to which does not appear to have been received here.





S.N. 2774


oakEn holt w. oxford

EnGland September 12, 1898

DEAR SIR,

I thank you for your letter of the 20th August1 and for its enclosure. I beg you will convey to our Indian friends, both at Natal and elsewhere in South Africa, my appreciation of the vote of thanks which they have been so kind as to send me. It has always been a great pleasure to me to be able to render them any service, & I only wish that my efforts could have proved more successful.

A short time ago I received a telegram signed “British Indians, Johannesburg” addressed to me care of “Times, London”. As it was sent on to me by post, it took some time before it reached me & was returned for publication to the Times Office. Will you kindly suggest to our friends in Natal, Johannesburg & elsewhere, that it is always best to telegraph direct to “Editor, Times, London.” It is with the Editor that the question of publication rests, & to address the telegram to me may involve delay & prevent its publication in the Times, if it has meanwhile been published in other London papers. So far as my power



extends, I shall do my best to ensure that attention is drawn to the representations of the Indian communities in South Africa.

I remain, Very faithfully yours, w. w. huntEr


S.N. 2806



london, s. E.September 16, 1898

DEAR SIR,

I have received your kind letter of 20th ultimo1 enclosing a very kind Resolution in my favour of the Committee of the British Indians resident in Natal. I need not say that I am very thankful for it, and am only sorry that our efforts here for our countrymen have not resulted as satisfactorily as we desired.

I have pleasure in sending you a photo.Yours truly,

dadabhai naoroji

m. k. Gandhi Esq., 53a fiEld st. durban, Natal

S.N. 2811



227. LETTER FROM W. N. HENDERSON

town hall durban

October 10, 1898DEAR SIR,

In accordance with your suggestion, the subscription list is being forwarded to Abdul Cadir1, together with a letter from the Mayor asking him to be good enough to collect subscriptions for the West Indies Relief Fund.

Thanking you for your suggestion.I remain,

Yours faithfully, w. n. hEndErson

m. k. Gandhi Esq.

S.N. 2820



m. k. Gandhi Esq., advocatE durban

DEAR SIRS,

Ramcharan’s Bond

Your letter of yesterday2 to hand — His Bond was passed before me as notary on the 10th of last month and registered on the 19th.

I now send you Notarial copy as requested.Yours truly,

william Edward pitchEr

1 One of the partners in the large Indian firm, Mahomed Cassim & Company.2 This letter is not available.


Charges: Gross of Notary Bond 10/6Paid stamps 10/6 -------- £ 1-1-01

S.N. 2846

229. LETTER FROM P. E. ROBERTS

hampdEn housE st. pancras

london, n. w.December 20, 1898

DEAR SIR,

I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 26th of November2 enclosing a cutting from the Natal Advertiser. Sir William Hunter has been suddenly called away to Bakon on the Caspian where his son is lying ill of typhoid fever. He hopes to be back at the end of January, but meanwhile all his engagements for the winter have had to be put off and no letters are being forwarded.

Yours very truly, p. E. robErts

S.N. 2884

230. LETTER FROM W. B. MORCOM 3


DEAR SIR,

Referring to your letter of yesterday.4I have a strong objection to be asked to give general

opinions on suppositions cases, but if you press it I am willing to advise on any particular case arising under Act 18, 1897, but

1 As in the source.2 This letter is not available.3 Attorney General of Transvaal and later of Natal.4 Refer, “Brief for Counsel’s Opinion”, CWMG Vol. 3, p. 24

Letter from Jeremiah Lyon 213

I suggest that you wait until the judgment of the Privy Council in the case of Vanda & the Newcastle Corporation is accessible in print. But if you prefer not to wait let me know.

As to the Immigration Act 1, 1897 I am unwilling to advise, because you have already made it the subject of a political communication to me.

I therefore return that brief.Yours truly,

w. b. morcom m. k. Gandhi Esq.

S.N. 2891

231. LETTER FROM JEREMIAH LYON

jErEmiah lyon & co. 4, lombard court london E. c. and at birmiGham & manchEstEr

tElEGraphic addrEss “jErEmiah, london” codEs: a1 a. b.c.

aGErs, whitElaws, british & forEiGn tradE

official vocabulary thE EnGinEErinG tElEGraph

December 23, 1898m. k. Gandhi Esq., fiEld strEEt durban

DEAR SIR,

We have recently been in correspondence with many of our Indian friends in South Africa on the subject of the grievances of Indian Traders in that country, and we have heard from Messrs. A. G. Hossen & Co. and others, that you had taken a great interest in the matter, and would be corresponding with us. We have not yet had the pleasure of hearing from you, but hope to by an early opportunity.

With our best wishes, We are, Dear sir,

Yours faithfully, j. lyon

S.N. 2892


232. LETTER FROM P. O’HEA 1

appEndix E 2

39 GardinEr strEEt durban

December 23, 1898

m. k. Gandhi Esq. 14 mErcury lanE durban

DEAR SIR,

Re Dealers’ Licences Act 3

In reply to your letter of this day’s date 4, I do not think that this Law is being administered in accordance with the spirit of the Legislature. The then Prime Minister who introduced the Bill said — “its main object was to affect those persons dealt with under the Immigration Bill. Ships would not bring those persons if they knew they would not be landed; and the people would not come here to trade if they knew they could not get Licences.”

I had a case in point not long ago. A man of Chinese nationality who had been thirteen years in the Colony was refused a Licence for no other reason I am convinced than because he was a Chinaman. The statistics of Durban show that the Town has more than doubled in extent and population within the past ten years; and yet this man who had linked his fortunes with the Colony — a man of unblemished character — who arrived when there were only about 40 human beings for every 100 there are today — this man’s character and long residence were ignored, and a means of earning an honest living in Durban

1 Honorary Secretary of the Colonial Patriotic Union.2 One of the appendices of the extract report of the meeting of the Durban

Town Council published in The Natal Mercury of 3-3-1898 and also in CWMG Vol. 3, pp. 50-51.

3 Refer, S.N. 2894 dated 31-12-1898 for The Petition to the Principal Secretary of the State for the Colonies from the British Indians of Natal and also in CWMG Vol. 3, pp. 26-56.



denied him. In like manner, I have seen that in Newcastle an Indian who had been 15 years resident in Natal, was refused a Licence which would have been granted to a European if he had been the applicant. This is not as it ought to be.

Yours faithfully, p. o’hEa

S.N. 2899


Appendix D1


m. k. Gandhi Esq.

DEAR SIR,

I have your letter of yesterday2. I regard the “Dealers Licences Act” as a very discreditable & dishonest piece of legislation. Dishonest & discreditable because no secret was made that it was intended to apply to them alone. Indians, indeed it was passed at a session of Parliament called about a moment earlier than otherwise it would have been as a concession to an anti-Indian mob & yet, in order to gain the approval of the Secretary of State, the Act is made to apply to all.

The effect of the Act is to place in the hands of the declared enemies of Indian traders the power to grant refuse trade licences; the consequences is [sic] as [be] might expected & we all feel humiliated as what we see whether we admit it or not.


[p. s.]You may make what as you like of this letter.

S.N. 2893 & 2898

1 One of the appendices of the extract report of the meeting of the Durban Town Council published in The Natal Mercury of 3-3-1898 and also in CWMG Vol. 3, pp. 49-50.





london, s. E.December 30, 1898

DEAR SIR,

I have received your letter with the Newspaper cuttings about the judgment in the test case regarding the interpretation of Law 3 of 1885 as amended in the year 1886 1.

In these matters, relating to British Indian subjects in South Africa the British Committee of the Indian National Congress, of which I am a Member; do what they can to help. I am sorry that the British Indian Subjects are not treated justly and as they have a right to be in accordance with the pledges given by the Sovereign and Parliament to them.



S.N. 3713

1 M. K. Gandhi filed a test case, Tayob Hajee Khan Mahomed v. Dr. William Johannes Leyds. Secretary of State, South African Republic on 28-2-1898 sought an interpretation of Law No. 3 of 1885, as amended in 1886, which denied “the coolies, Arabs, Malays and Mahomedans subjects of the Turkish Empire” citizenship rights, including the right of owning immovable property. The Imperial and the Transvaal governments differed as to the applicability of the Law to the Indians. This case was decided on 8-8-1898 against the Indians and the Court held that there was no distinction between places of business and residences and the Asiatics must reside as well as transact their business in Locations set apart for them by Government. Gandhi sent representations to the Colonial Secretary, the Viceroy, the Indian National Congress, the Secretary of State for India and M. M. Bhownaggree among others. Refer, CWMG Vol. 3, pp. 1-16.

Letter from Renaud & Robinson 217

235. LETTER FROM RENAUD & ROBINSON

appEndix f 1

3, 4 and 5, poynton’s buildinG GardinEr strEEt


m. k. Gandhi Esq. advocatE

DEAR SIR,

In reply to your letter of the 23rd instant2 Re Dealers Licences Act.

We prefer to say nothing on the political aspect of the question.

We are of opinion that the Licensing Officer should be appointed from outside the permanent staff of the Town Councils or the Local Boards as the case may be. There should be an Appeal from his decision to the Town Council and from their to the Supreme Court.

We think that compensation should be awarded to landlords who by reason of the operation of the act have lost their tenants.

There are several matters of minor importance which we think might be improved, but to our mind the principal defect in the present act is that no appeal being allowed from the Town Council’s decision injustice has been done and is likely to be done to applicants for licences.

Yours faithfully, rEnaud & robinson

S.N. 2900

1 Refer, “Petition to Secretary of State for Colonies”, CWMG Vol. 3, p. 51.2 This letter is not available.


236. LETTER FROM C. A. DE. R. LABISTOUR

appEndix G1

c. a. dE. r. labistour solicitor & convEyancEr

23 fiEld st. buildinGs durban

natalJanuary 4, 1899


DEAR SIR,

Referring to our interview of this date on the subject of the Licensing Act 18/972, I can only state that from my experience the same although not so expressed is only intended to apply to Indians and Chinese — at any rate it appears to me to be so.

I have made several applications to the Licensing Officer for new licenses which have been rejected without reasons being given therefore and on appeals to the Town Council I have invariably found that body uphold the Licensing Officer’s decision without previously calling upon him to furnish his reasons for such refusal.

I have not tried to ascertain the number of licenses refused to Europeans but I am inclined to believe they were only refused to those whose character &c. did not justify them holding one.

Yours faithfully, c. a. dE r. labistour

p. s.The most inequitable part of the Act is that which precludes

an appeal from the Town Council to the Supreme Court. c. a. r. l.

S.N. 2908 & 2901

1 Refer, “Petition to Secretary of State for Colonies”, CWMG Vol. 3, pp. 51-52.2 This refers to Dealers’ License Act No. 18 of 1897.

Letter from G. F. Herbert 219

237. LETTER FROM G. F. HERBERT

thE sanatorium kimbErlEy

January 6, 1899DEAR SIR,

I have been asked to write an article for an Indian paper on the status of Indian subjects in South Africa, their political and social disabilities etc. etc.

Can you kindly help me by telling me to whom I should apply for information on these subjects or what papers, pamphlets etc. I should consult.

I shall be very much obliged for any information you can give me on the subject.

Yours very truly, G. f. hErbErt

S.N. 2911


238. LETTER FROM M. H. SMITH

j. j. hilliEr, solicitor. notary public and convEyancEr

fiEld st. buildinGs durban

January 10, 1899

m. k. Gandhi Esq., solicitor mErcury lanE

DEAR SIR,

I enclose copy of interview as requested, as you were a little late in asking for it. I could not do a duplicate which would cost 5/6 a page.

My charge for this copy is 10 p.p. @1/6 page = 15/-Yours truly,

m. h. smith

p. s.If you prefer a fresh copy I can do that tonight & let you

have it in the morning.

S.N. 2921-2922

Letter from Editor, Kathiawar Times 221

239. LETTER FROM EDITOR, KATHIAWAR TIMES

tElEGraphic addrEss: “timEs” rajkot

“kathiawar timEs” officE rajkot


Herewith are sent our papers for perusal. We have much pleasure to read of your enterprise in South Africa inspite of overwhelming difficulties that are purposely set in your way. There is no higher aim in the profession we have chosen than to uphold all just and lawful causes of our brethren who are in distant lands labouring under peculiar difficulties. We shall therefore be much obliged if you can undertake to supply us news occasionally — copies of newspapers of that place posted once a week will be thankfully received.

Hoping that you will give the necessary attention. Yours truly

Sd. Editor k[athiawar]t[imEs]

to m. k. Gandhi Esq. barristEr-at-law durban (natal) south africa

S.N. 2923


240. LETTER FROM G. F. HERBERT

thE sanatorium kimbErlEy


I beg to thank you very much for the interesting papers you sent me which I am engaged in carefully perusing. I will return them to you as soon as I have gone through them.

If I may offer a suggestion — would it not help your cause very much if you were to get an English man of good position and of good experience in India (say a retired Civil servant or Army officer) to work for you. I imagine that the Indian community of Durban alone could, with ease, afford to offer such a person a fair remuneration for his services and I feel certain that, if they could secure a good man, the expenditure would be repaid a hundred fold. I am equally sure that there are many men of the class I mention who would be glad to undertake the work and who would do it thoroughly well.

Yours very truly, G. f. hErbErt

p. s.I shall be only too glad if I can be of any assistance to

you in this or any other matter.S.N. 2938





February 7, 1899SIR,

I have the honour to forward as requested in your letter of the 4th instant1, copy of the circular instructions respecting persons claiming benefits of former domicile in Natal, issued in terms of Section 15 of the Immigration Restriction Act, 1897 2.





S.N. 2966

1 This letter is not available.2 instructions rEGardinG pErsons claiminG thE bEnEfit of formEr domicilE

in natal, issuEd in tErms of sEction 15 of thE immiGration rEstriction act 1897.If any person appearing to be a prohibited immigrant within the meaning

of the Immigration Restriction Act of 1897 shall claim the benefit of the sixth section of the Act on the ground that he has been formerly domiciled in Natal, and shall be without other satisfactory means of supporting his claim, the officer appointed under the Act may accept as sufficient evidence of such former domicile proof of actual residence in Natal for a continuous period of two years.

Provided however that :a. Residence by an immigrant during the term of a contract or indenture

of service for the purposes whereof he was brought into Natal;b. A sojourn in Natal for a manifestly temporary purpose; orc. Residence begun after 6th May, 1897Shall not be reckoned as Residence for the purpose of this rule.


242. LETTER FROM INSPECTOR OF NUISANCES’ OFFICE

durban natal.

February 9, 1899

mr. advocatE m. k. Gandhi durban.

DEAR SIR,

Yours of yesterday’s date1 asking for a copy of report to Town Council on overcrowding of Indians was duly received.

Will you please make such application to the Town Clerk. I believe that printed copies of such report have been provided by him.

Yours truly, w. E. dauGhErty

inspEctor

S.N. 2969


privatE



DEAR SIR,

Sir Henry Binns2 wishes me to say that the Government of the South African Republic has telegraphed informing this Government that as there is now all probability that the Bubonic plague has been brought into the Republic by an Indian from Delagoa Bay, notwithstanding a quarantine of three weeks at that place, the S[outh] A[frican] R[epublic] Government proposes

1 This letter is not available.2 Sir Henry Binns, K.C.M.G. (1837-1899) born into a Quaker family was

Prime Minister of the Colony of Natal from 5-10-1897 to 8-6-1899.

Letter from G. P. Pillai 225

that common action should be taken for prohibiting all natives coming from Asia, Mauritius and Madagascar from landing at any of the South African Ports. This is, of course, a serious proposition, and Sir Henry suggests that, if you happen to be in Pietermaritzburg during the coming week, it might be well for you to have a talk with him on the subject.

Kindly let me know if there is a probability of your coming up here shortly.

Yours faithfully, c. bird

S.N. 2974

244. LETTER FROM G. P. PILLAI 1

EstablishEd 1841thE “madras standard” officE

madrasMarch 2, 1899

DEAR MR. GHANDI2,

I am surprised to find you are not aware of the fact that the Congress took up the question of Indians in South Africa on the last occasion. As usual I moved a resolution & two others followed. I think you ought to keep up a strong agitation. In India, there ought to be some organized agitation. All that you did once must be repeated. I hope you are in communication with proper men in England on the subject. You have seen an article in “Indian Politics” on the subject.

Yours truly, G. p. pillai

S.N. 3049

1 Govindan Paramaswaran Pillai (1864–1903), the Editor of The Madras Standard — the first English newspaper — started by him in South India. He helped M. K. Gandhi to reprint copies of the Green Pamphlet in October 1896 during his Madras visit, and put his office at his disposal.

2 As in the source.


245. LETTER FROM JERMIAH LYON & CO.

jErmiah lyon & co. 4, lombard court london E. c. and at birmiGham & manchEstEr

tElEGraphic addrEss: “jErmiah london” codEs: a1 a.b.c.

aGErs, whitElaws british & forEiGn tradE


March 6, 1899

m. k. Gandhi Esq. 14, mErcury lanE, durban natal

DEAR SIR,

We beg to thank you for your valued favour of 11th ultimo1 enclosing letter addressed to the Indian Community residing at Durban. The contents of this enclosure have already been the subject matter of communications received by us from Umtali2, but we thank you for your courtesy and promptitude in putting forward the particulars thus given.

Always at your service, We are, Dear sir,


S.N. 3076

1 This letter is not available.2 Mutare formerly known as Umtali upto 1983 is the third largest city

in Zimbabwe.

Letter from P. S. Aiyar 227

246. LETTER FROM P. S. AIYAR1

privatE indian institution vErulam

March 7, 1899DEAR SIR,

You will be glad to hear that the school I have started here is progressing satisfactorily. There is a movement on foot …2 subscriptions to put up a permanent building for the school one made by a merchant alone has promised to subscribe £ 10 for the school and many others, it is … will subscribe during the harvest …I shall be obliged to you if you can … the Congress to contribute something to it. I mean purchasing a block of land from an intimate friend of mine who has promised to sell that piece for a considerably lower sum for the sake of the school. If you promise to render me any help I will come at your office to talk over other matters personally with you.

Yours truly, p. s. aiyar

to m. k. Gandhi Esq. durban

S.N. 3077

1 He was the owner and editor of the African Chronicle published from Durban, campaigned for the abolition of the £ 3 tax on indentured Indians through his paper and also enlisted the support of European-owned papers like The Natal Mercury and Pretoria News for the cause. The Anti £ 3 Tax League of which he was the Honorary Secretary was formed in September 1911 through his efforts. When prosecutions of re-indentured labourers for non-payment of the tax began, he brought to The Natal Mercury’s notice the fact that the Govt. circular issued in April, 1910 regarding re-indentured Indians and the tax had different interpretation from that of Act 19 of 1910.



247. LETTER FROM G. A. DE ROQUEFEUIL LABISTOUR

G. a. dE. roquEfEuil labistour solicitor and notary public tElEGraphic addrEss “roquEfEuil”

31, fiEld strEEt durban

natalMarch 16, 1899

MY DEAR MR. GANDHI,

I return Mr. Laughton’s opinion which I have not read. It does not matter to me what opinion others may hold on the points at issue — The Licensing officer so far shares my views as he has given up the idea of disqualifying Indians as a class- so far so good.

Yours faithfully, labistour

S.N. 3135

248. LETTER FROM MARY G. DAVIS

fairbolmE sprinGfiEld rd mitchEll park [March] 122, 1899

DEAR SIR,

I am in receipt of your favour of this morning expressing the spontaneous & generous desire of the Indian ladies & merchants to help us in our work for the sick and wounded. I laid your letter before the Executive Committee which met this morning and I am desired on their behalf to thank you and your friends most heartily and to say we shall gladly avail ourselves of your kind offer. I am sorry I could not reply earlier. I have been

1 There was a plague panic in South Africa at this time. M. K. Gandhi wrote about it and probably this letter is a reply to his letter of the same day and also refer, “The Plague Panic in South Africa”, CWMG Vol. 3, pp. 66-70.

Letter from Chhaganlal Motiram Mukhtyar 229

engaged all day but if your good people would carry out the enclosed list we shall be much obliged.

I am, Yours faithfully,

mary G. davis ass. sEc. to ExEcutivE

d. w. p. sEaGul


S.N. 3717

249. LETTER FROM CHHAGANLAL MOTIRAM MUKHTYAR

bazaar bulsar March 23, 1899

MY DEAR MR. GANDHI,

Let me first introduce myself to you as a friend of Mr. Vassanji who seems to be taking the greatest interest in your welfare. He created desire in me to constantly read everything concerning South Africa in the Bombay Dailies — the desire which I shall show you further, proved to be of much value. I carefully went through almost all columns giving the exact idea of the present state of the Indians there. I many a time came across with your name and my curiosity was then excited to know who you were. I was thinking what means I should adopt to get some information about you. Fortunately for me, I received a letter from Mr. Vassanji containing the full account of the condition of the Indians. He did not fail to supply me with the information I greatly stood in need of. He gave me the exact description of how you were trying your best to better the present miserable condition of the people of India. The expressions and words he made use of for you produced much respect not only in me but also in those who were patiently and calmly listening to me reading the whole account. They at once asked me to write to you for further true information. I hesitated first but the receipt of the letters from Mr. Vassanji forced me to pen a few lines. Further though the Bombay dailies do give us some information relating South Africa, I shall be highly obliged to


you if you will be kind enough to directly write to me. Hoping to hear something from you very soon.

I am, Yours sincerely,

chhaGanlal motiram mukhtyar b. a.

S.N. 3155

250. LETTER FROM JEREMIAH LYON & CO.

jErEmiah lyon & co. 4, lombard court london E. c. and at birmiGham & manchEstEr

tElEGraphic addrEss “jErEmiah, london” codEs: a1 a. b. c.

aGErs, whitElaws, british & forEiGn tradE


March 24, 1899

m. k. Gandhi Esq., 14, mErcury lanE durban

DEAR SIR,

We beg to thank you for your valued favour of the 4th instant1, and have to point out, in reply, that the three firms whom we mentioned to you in ours of 9th February are all resident at Beira.

We are led to think, by your remarks in this matter, that you have overlooked its importance, and which we would explain in this way: The firms we are dealing with and which we have mentioned were recognized and we believe continue to be recognised in Beira as being of the best standing amongst all the Indian traders there: and therefore, if these firms act dishonestly, it will be quite logical for the South Africa Co. to argue that they are undesirable people, and, as a consequence,


Letter from G. A. De Roquefeuil Labistour 231

others also who may be occupying positions of less significance. It is this point that we would beg to impress upon you, and we shall be glad if you can persuade your countrymen of the folly of taking up an attitude hostile to their interests: and feel constrained to think that any such advice from you would tend at once to change the tenour of their ways.

We are, Dear sir,


S.N. 3159

251. LETTER FROM G. A. DE ROQUEFEUIL LABISTOUR

EvErslEy ridGE road

bErEa[March 31, 1899]1

MY DEAR MR. GANDHI,

I had the advantage this afternoon of discussing with Mr. Escombe the scope and effect of the Licensing Act. The sooner you realize that this matter has so far been fairly bungled the better it will be for the class you represent. I must ask you not to raise a discussion on this subject between me and those who have assisted you. My views were expressed to you as from one professional man to another on an interesting question and I care not how many agree or disagree with me.

Yours faithfully, G. a. dE roquEfEuil labistour

thursday

S.N. 3165

1 From Sabarmati Ashram’s archival database entry.


252. LETTER FROM HATHORN & CO.

k. h. h.

Telegrams “Hathorn, Pietermaritzburg”

hathorn & company advocatEs solicitors & notariEs kEnnEth h. hathorn william m. camEron


April 6, 1899

m. k. Gandhi Esq. solicitor durban

DEAR SIR,

We have placed to your debit the following fees: — Re Kara Thakersi £ 2:3:0Re Opinion, Law 1, 1879 £ 5:5:0 -------- £ 7:8:0

Yours truly, hathorn & co.

S.N. 3170


253. LETTER FROM HATHORN & CO.

hathorn and company solicitors

piEtErmaritzburG April 10, 1899


DEAR SIR,

We are in receipt of yours of the 8th instant1 enclosing cheque for £ 7.6/- in settlement of our account as advised for which we thank you.

Yours faithfully, hathorn & co.

S.N. 3172



london, s.E.April 14, 1899

DEAR SIR,

I have received your letter of 11th ultimo2 and the letter of Map Nathoo Valley & Co. and Allarakhia Hussein from Umtali, Rhodesia dated 22nd January, 18993.

I am now not working alone, but with the British Committee of the Congress and every attention possible is being part and your representation.

1 This letter is not available.2 This letter is not available.3 Refer, “Letter to The Times of India”, CWMG Vol. 3, pp. 63-64.


You had better continue to send me a copy header that which you send to the Committee direct. I am sorry for all the troubles our people have to suffer.



S.N. 3175

255. LETTER FROM WILLIAM GOOLEY, TOWN OFFICE

town officE durban

natalApril 17, 1899

m. k. Ghandi1

durban

DEAR SIR

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letters of even date2 which shall be laid before His Worship the Mayor.

Yours faithfully, william GoolEy

town clErk

S.N. 3180

1 As in the source.2 This letter is not available.




May 20, 1899SIR,

I am directed to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 19th instant.1




m. k. Gandhi Esq. box 66 durban

c. s. o. 15S.N. 3193




May 29, 1899SIR,

With reference to your letter of the 18th instant2, on the subject of the Bill to amend the Indian Immigration Law, 1891, which the Government has introduced for consideration by Parliament during the present Session, I have the honour to inform you that the proposed amendment is to meet a difficulty which has

1 Refer, “Letter to Colonial Secretary, Natal”, CWMG Vol. 3, p. 86.2 Refer, “Letter to Colonial Secretary, Natal”, CWMG Vol. 3, pp. 83-85.


existed under the 30th Section of Law No 25, 1891, ever since that Law came into operation.

Under that Section it is lawful to apprehend any Indian Immigrant found at a distance of more than one mile from the employer’s residence; provided, however, that every Indian Immigrant shall be free from such arrest if, when so found, he is on his way to lodge any complaint before the Protector or Magistrate of the Division wherein his place of service is situated.

The difficulty which has arisen, and which is continually arising, is as to what is to be done with the Indian after he has made his complaint to the Protector of Immigrants. The Section is silent upon the point in so far as the Protector’s duties are concerned in that respect it has, however, been the practice of his Department in cases of this kind to provide the Immigrant with a pass of sufficient duration, after he has lodged his complaint, to enable him to return to his employer; and although this practice is illegal it is absolutely necessary in the interests of the Indian to provide him with a document of some kind as a protection from arrest whilst on his way back to his employer.

Objections have been raised by certain employers of indentured Indians to this practice owing to the fact that instances have occurred in which Indians have used these passes to enable them to desert and probably leave the Colony. An Indian on the pretext of going to Durban to lodge a complaint has been found at Ladysmith, and Indians have also for the purpose of deserting made use of the passes issued to enable them to return to their masters without liability to arrest. The proposed amendment will prevent this, as, on the lodgement of the complaint, it will become the duty of the Protector, Assistant Protector or Magistrate, as the case may be, to see that the Indian is returned to his employer in charge of a messenger: his complaint will then be heard by the Magistrate of the Division in which his place of service is situated, and, if successful, the employer will have to bear the cost of the Indian’s return; but if, on the other hand, the employer is acquitted of the charge and the Magistrate is of opinion that the complaint is frivolous and unfounded, or that the Indian was not justified in leaving his employer’s premises without permission, the decision would be that the cost of the Indian’s return should be deducted from his wages and the Indian would be liable to punishment for illegal absence. It is considered that this provision is just and fair to the employer and employed and that it will be the means of stopping many frivolous and


unfounded complaints that are now being continually made by indentured Indians.

There is no desire on the part of the Government to prevent an Indian from going to the Protector to make a complaint, but it is very desirable to safeguard the interests of the employer by requiring that when the Indian as lodged his complaint he shall return to his employer. The Government has no reason to believe that the Protector or Magistrate would treat a complaint as frivolous if it were not really so, or that the Protector would be disposed to act unjustly to an Indian who had cause of complaint.

Provision is made in Section 2 of the Bill to meet the difficulty with regard to Indians declining to be returned to their employers after lodging their complaints.

It would not be possible to adopt your suggestion that preference should be given to the complaints of Indians. The cases in Magistrates’ Courts are, it is understood, taken in order, and to give Indians preference would occasion dissatisfaction on the part of Europeans and Natives.

The Government is probably in a better position than anyone else to take an impartial view of the matter, and it is the desire of the Government to protect the interests of the Europeans and to safeguard those of the Indians.




S.N. 3196



3842/991


natalJune 13, 1899

SIR,

In reply to your further letter of the 30th ultimo2 I have the honour to inform you that the Government is unable to alter the Indian Immigration Law Amendment Bill so as to remove the clause to which you have taken exception, and I am to point out that what gives special gravity to the making of frivolous complaints is that Indians leave their master’s service for the purpose, which must often be the cause of extreme inconvenience, perhaps even loss, to the master.





S.N. 3204

1 The Reference No. remains the same for the S.N. 3196 & S.N. 3204 in the original.






June 30, 1899SIR,

Re Immigration Bill

With reference to your letter of the 17th instant1 requesting to be furnished with a copy of the report of the Protector of Immigrants in connection with the Bill “To amend the Indian Immigration Law, 1891”, I have the honour to forward to you, herewith, a copy of the report in question, the terms of which you will see were practically embodied in my letter to you of the 29th ultimo.





S.N. 3212


durbanAugust 4, 1899

DEAR MR. GANDHI,

Before Mr. Hajee Cassim left for India, & while you were away, he called on me several times with a view to obtaining a reduction of my charges regarding the Indian market. I refused



to make any reduction on the ground that, considering the importance of the matter, I had charged very moderately — it was however finally agreed that his representatives should pay unless you should be of opinion that I had charged too much in which case my charges should be reduced accordingly. May I once more trouble you in the matter.


S.N. 3260


durban August 7, 1899

DEAR MR. GANDHI,

I have your letter of today1 enclosing a cheque for £ 66.I am much obliged to you for all the trouble you have taken

but at the same time I must tell you that, in usual course, I debited you with all the costs regarding the matter.

I feel that our clients have been very ungrateful for all the trouble I took in this matter for the happy results of our labour. I consider that if I had charged them £ 150 they could not have complained & I told them that if they liked I would leave it to Mr. Labistour to say what I should be paid, on condition that we should each abide by his decision to the amount greater or smaller, but to this they would not agree. I then agreed to leave it to you to say if I had over charged but I did not leave it to you to make a deduction in view of your knowledge of the human mind. I refused to make, & refuse to make any deduction whatever unless you say I have overcharged. As I said before, I take this stand because I cannot but feel the ingratitude shown me. The bill has been due for two years of an actually out of pocket for fees paid in London to the extent of something like £ 14.

I return your cheque.Yours truly

f. a. lauGhton S.N. 3262


Telegram from Colonial Secretary 241

262. TELEGRAM FROM COLONIAL SECRETARY

[September 9, 1899] 1

YOUR TELEGRAM OF TODAY 2 MATTER IS RECEIVING THE MOST

ANXIOUS AND SYMPATHETIC ATTENTION OF GOVERNMENT AND

A DEFINITE REPLY WILL IT IS HOPED BE SENT ON MONDAY.3

S.N. 3289

263. TELEGRAM FROM COLONIAL SECRETARY

September 11, 1899

to m. k. Gandhi Esq. durban

GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL HAS APPROVED ALTERATION TEMPORARILY OF

REGULATIONS PUBLISHED UNDER GOVERNMENT NOTICE 621/1899 FOR

VISITORS’ PASSES SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT NO CHARGE SHALL BE MADE FOR

SUCH PASSES WHICH MAY BE ISSUED FOR SIX INSTEAD OF THREE WEEKS

WITH POWER TO EXTEND TO THREE MONTHS OR LONGER IF SANCTIONED

BY COL. SECRETARY NOTICE APPEARING IN TOMORROW’S GAZETTE.

S.N. 3290

1 A note in M. K. Gandhi’s hand on the document reads: “This wire was received on Saturday in reply to above.” i.e. S.N. 3288 or refer, “Telegram to Colonial Secretary”, CWMG Vol. 3, p. 112.

2 Refer, S.N. 3288 “Telegram to Colonial Secretary” CWMG Vol. 3, p. 112.3 Refer, S.N. 3290 “Telegram from Colonial Secretary” (11-9-1899), p. 241.


264. LETTER FROM J. H. WOOLGAR AND F. W. ROBERTS 1

bankErs: london & south wEstErn

tElEGraphic addrEss: “mutilatinG” london j. h. woolGar f. b. robErts

109, flEEt strEEt london

October 4, 1899SIR,

We respectfully beg to enquire if we may supply all Press Notices relating to yourself personally & British Indians in the Transvaal, or any subject you are interested in, from the English and Colonial Press?

We enclose terms and await the kind favour of an early reply.We are,

Sir, Yours obediently,

woolGar & robErts

mr. m. k. Gandhi

S.N. 3298

1 Press Cutting, Information & Addressing Agency, Established in 1890 with its Head Office at 109, FLEET STREET, E. C.

Letter from Sydney E. Joshua And W. Palmer 243

265. LETTER FROM SYDNEY E. JOSHUA AND W. PALMER 1

mEmorandum

p. no. 682 750 pads. –1/8/99natal GovErnmEnt railways

October 18, 1899Just taken over this part of the Railway Section and under

the circumstances, he could not spare me to go and further adds that we are already asked by the Government to keep a guard on our lives. Hence I am unable to go if required. Attached his letter to you.

Yours faithfully, sydnEy E. joshua

p. s.Very busy this morning to come over and see you personally.

inSPector Palmer’S2 letter

mEmorandum

f. u. no. 672 4,000-10/7/99natal GovErnmEnt railways

October 18, 1899

to mr. m. k. Ghandi 3

durban

DEAR SIR,

My time keeper Mr. Sydney Joshua informs me that at a meeting held last night was asked to go to the front4 & has I believe signed his name to go.

1 William Palmer, Treasurer of the Durban Women’s Patriotic League.2 S.N. 3300A.3 As in the source.4 In the Anglo-Boer War.


I am very sorry to say that I cannot spare him as I have lately taken over the Durban Section of Railway Lines & his services are very much needed by me at present.

w. palmEr pErmanEnt inspEctor

S.N. 3300


piEtErmaritzburG October 23, 1899

SIR,

With reference to your letter of the 19th instant1, forwarding a list of Indians who are willing to offer their services unconditionally and without pay to the Government or to the Imperial Authorities in connection with the hostilities now taking place, I have the honour to inform you that the Government is deeply impressed with the offer of Her Majesty’s loyal Indian subjects in Durban who have offered their services in this connection, and I am to state that, should the occasion arise, the Government will be glad to avail itself of those services.

Will you be good enough to convey to the Indians in question an expression of the Government’s appreciation of their loyal offer.


Your obedient servant, Sgd. c. bird



S.N. 3303

1 Refer, “Letter to Colonial Secretary, Natal”, CWMG Vol. 3, pp. 134-135.

Letter from A. Buffey 245

267. LETTER FROM IMAMDIN


SIR,

I most humbly and respectfully beg to request that some Indians want to be engaged at the war on any duty. Therefore I hope that you will kindly let me know if the Government take the above mentioned men for the said purpose and oblige.

Yours obediently, imamdin

S.N. 3319

268. LETTER FROM A. BUFFEY

26, broadway madras

November 13, 1899MY DEAR MR. GANDHI,

It is after a protracted silence of nearly two years that I take up my pen again to write to you. I wrote to you from Bankipore but not being favoured with a reply I concluded that I did not interest you enough perhaps in my letter and so I did not think fit to trouble you for a reply. I write to you now in as much as I have thought over the matter of the general persecution of the Indians in Natal in a particular point and that is my own case. I think the war will soon be over and you ought to be prepared beforehand with your case of the troubles of the Indians in Natal to lay before Mr. Chamberlain at your earliest opportunity. You can very strongly set forth in your petition that Mr. Chamberlain has at once acted upon the grievances of the Uitlanders1 and he has several times hinted about the persecutions of the Indians in the Transvaal by the

1 Uitlander, Afrikaans for “foreigner” (lit. “outlander”), was the name given to foreign (mainly British) migrant workers during the Witwatersrand Gold Rush in the independent Transvaal Republic following the discovery of gold in 1886. The limited rights granted to this group in the independent Boer Republics was one of the contributing factors behind the Second Boer War.


Boers but their actual persecution at home (i.e.) in Natal has not been redressed! I have thought over my own case which will be a good preliminary or ending of your case. You can begin with or end with whichever way you like my case in this way. The averment of facts are as follows: —

That the Government of Natal was in great need of a qualified Hindustani Interpreter for the Supreme Court of Natal and after a great search being made in Natal for such a person and not finding one the Government at the suggestion of Sir Walter Wragg drafted out a letter which was sent to the Lt. Governor of Bengal C.O. letter No. C.S.O. 2234/1884 dated 30th October 1884 — Earnestly requesting him to nominate a suitable person for such an office pointing out the allurement to the intending candidate of the pay, pension etc.

The Secretary to the L. G. after diligent enquiry selected me amongst other candidates as the fit and proper person to go to Natal to fill the appointment. A saloon accommodation was provided for me & my wife. 100 gns at the cost of Natal Government. I went & remained in Natal for a continued period of ten years under much persecution both by some officers who were over me and by outside public yet I held on until 1894 doing my duty without fear, favour or prejudice. But when the …1 possible Government assumed office the persecution became fiercer. In fact I was accused of drunkenness while on duty & failing to bring the guilt home to me I was requested to resign my appointment on the alleged plea of ill-health. At this I demanded an enquiry & report by Medical Board and also to show actual leave taking during my ten years’ service but my request was not considered and I was ruthlessly thrown off by the present responsible Government on a paltry pension of £ 58:16:5 per annum. This pension was about Rs. 1085 per annum now on account of depreciation of exchange amounts to Rs. 88/- only. I have left out many other details but you can see the injustice to me by the Government of Natal. I hope you will take my case into your friends & use it as an argument or instruct to many similar injustices done to other Indians. I am here in Madras for the last 11 months and I am reduced to such a state that I have been living with my two children & wife on Rs. 75/- per month when I spent that amount per day in Natal!!! Hoping this will find you in good health as it

1 Not deciphered.

Letter from W. Palmer 247

leaves us here. I see by the way that one R[ahim Karim] Khan has been admitted as a Barrister in Natal. Who is he?

With kindest regards from us here.Yours sincerely, a. buffEy

(official addrEss) c/o mEssrs parry & co. aGEnts for thE Govt. of natal madras

p. s.This is the time of war there so why don’t you all I mean

Stephen, Stevens, Paul and yourself take a trip to Madras. We shall see that you are all comfortable here and enjoy the trips! Here are a few slips for Paul & Stevens. Please refund.

S.N. 3320

269. LETTER FROM W. PALMER

privatE

November 13, 1899MY DEAR MR. GANDHI,

You will know that a through street collection has taken place for the print of the Durban Women’s Patriotic League — the ladies’ report that while Coolies gave them 35 pieces, the Arabs declined to render any help! This is so marked as to become the talk amongst the lady collectors. This will appear very strange when publicly announced — what is the explanation?1

Respectfully yours, w. palmEr

S.N. 3322

1 A reply in Gandhi’s hand is on the letter itself. Refer, “Letter to W. Palmer”, CWMG Vol. 3, pp. 142-143.




DEAR MR. GANDHI,

I have decided not to stand for Durban …1 in a contest between three for the seat. I believe I would have an excellent chance. It would, it might cost £ 300 & in these bad times I do not feel justified in incurring such an expense.

I came down from Maritzburg yesterday with Mr. Greenacre and W…up to the Berea together & I took the opportunity of sounding him as to his views on the Indian question. He said that he was just of admiration of their conduct in offering their services to the military, especially after the way they had been treated. He intended to say so as the platform if questioned & further he referred to you your conduct in the matter in the morning highly flattering terms. I would advise a deputation of Indians to wait on him & feel sure that his services would prove to be of greatest value. He is a man who would feel grateful & would not forget.

Mr. Panton on the other hand is an impossible candidate to support seeing that he is rabid against all Indians and was the founder and chairman of the Patriotic Union.


S.N. 3718

271. LETTER FROM J. S. DONE


m. k. Gandhi Esq.

DEAR SIR,

We offered our services directly to the Govt. and we expected our offer to be accepted in a proper way, not this back door

1 Not deciphered.

Letter from Harry John 249

cause though we have to do manual works, but we have nothing to do with the protector and throw ourselves in place of coolies under the circumstances. I beg to take off my name from the list. I kept quiet in the meeting with the impression that my success would dampen the spirit of it.

I am Dear sir,

Yours truly, j. s. donE

S.N. 3334

272. LETTER FROM HARRY JOHN

privatE


mr. m. k. Ghandi1 Esq. durban

SIR,

Before entering my name on the list I forgot to think of my ill health at present from which I am suffering. I think Sir there is no shame to tell you the truth.

I am subject to night emissions which makes me feel weak at times & one of my testicles on the left side is hurt. These will prevent me from the work which I will have to do. So I ask you Sir to leave me out & keep this private.

Your obedient servant, harry john

S.N. 3335

1 As in the source.


273. LETTER FROM N. HARISHANKER

bEllair December 6, 1899


DEAR SIR,

I am glad to let you know that here are 5 more volunteers are ready to add their names to the list & offer their services to the Government without pay on the same terms as of mine and other six.

All of us anxiously waiting your further orders concerning the said matter.

Yours faithfully, n. harishankEr

S.N. 3719

274. LETTER FROM S. DORASAMY MOODLEY


DEAR SIR,

Will you kindly ask Dr. Booth and let me know.If he will give me lesson during day that is from 9 to 11

am. As I cannot come during night it is too far from Greyville.I beg to remain,

Your obedient servant, s. dorasamy moodlEy

[p. s.]Let me know by bearer.

S.N. 3337

Letter from District Engineer, P. W. Department 251

275. LETTER FROM LANCELOT PARKER BOOTH 1

[Before December 11, 1899]2

DEAR MR. GANDHI,

Thank you for sending on the paper.The Bishop writes today to the effect that I have any

amount of work to do here, that if I feel strongly I ought to go he implies he will not object but he thinks you can manage all right without me. So there is nothing to be done but to let you go without me and, as I said, if there is any real (not friendly merely) reason for my joining you later on it perhaps can be done.

Yours truly, l. p. booth

S.N. 3372A

276. LETTER FROM DISTRICT ENGINEER, P. w. dePartment

minutE

natalDecember 29, 1899

District Engineer & Clerk of Works, Public Works Department, Durban

to mr. Ghandi3 mErcury lanE

DEAR SIR,

I have been instructed by the Chief Engineer, P. W. Department to ascertain how many Indians we may depend upon receiving from you, and at what notice

1 Rev. Canon Booth or Lancelot Parker Booth was a Medical adviser, a mentor to the Indian Ambulance Corps (1899-1900), Head of St. Aidan’s Mission, Durban supervised a small charitable hospital founded by Indians in 1899 and he was also Dean of St. John’s in Durban.

2 Refer, S.N. 3372B “Letter to Bishop Baynes” CWMG Vol. 3, pp. 151-152 and S.N. 3339 “Telegram to Colonial Secretary, Natal” CWMG Vol. 3, p. 152.

3 As in the source.


It would also facilitate matters if you would kindly let me have the following information. 1. Your nearest and best telegraphic address.2. Nearest Railway Station3. Whether you could supply the men with rations, as far as

Durban.4. Number of men5. Number of Sirdars (I presume one sirdar will suffice for

every 40 men.)They should bring their pots and bedding with them. An

early acknowledgement will oblige.Yours faithfully,

Sd. district EnGinEEr

p. w. dEpartmEnt coast district

S.N. 3360

277. LETTER FROM R. E. BULLEY

b. m. s. durban

[December, 1899] 1

DEAR MR. GHANDI2,

My intention was to call and see you today, but am engaged during this lunch hour.

Will call tomorrow or sometime this week.Please let me know on receipt of communication from G. I

sincerely hope that your offer of help will be accepted.Yours truly,

r. E. bullEy

S.N. 3716

1 From Sabarmati Ashram’s archival database entry.2 As in the source.

Telegram from Dhanjee 253

278. LETTER FROM “ADVERTISER”

Editorial dEpartmEnt

“advErtisEr” officE durban

January 22, 1900DEAR SIR

You were good enough some time ago to supply us with a communication about the Indian Ambulance men. If you could occasionally give us or arrange for some notes about their doings during the campaign we would gladly publish them, & I think they would be of interest to many.1


m. k. Gandhi Esq.

S.N. 3367

279. TELEGRAM FROM DHANJEE

vErulamFebruary 5, 1900

to Gandhi indian ambulancE corps2 [spion kop3]TWELVE MEN READY TO COME THREE BOXES FRUIT SENT REPLY SHARP

dhanjEES.N. 3374

1 Reply in M. K. Gandhi’s hand S.N. 3372. Refer, “Letter to Editor, The Natal Advertiser”, CWMG Vol. 3, p. 159.

2 The Indian Ambulance Corps was established by M. K. Gandhi in the Second Boer War (11-10-1899 to 31-5-1902). A list of volunteers was sent by Gandhi on 19-10-1899 and the offer was accepted on 23-10-1899.

3 Spionkop is a mountain in the province of KwaZulu-Natal located near Ladysmith also known as the battle field for the Second Boer War during January 1900.


280. LETTER FROM CASSAM SULEIMAN AHMED

piEtErmaritzburGFebruary 16, 1900

mr. m. k. Gandhy 1 advocatE

SIR,

Please send my claim receipt and oblige.

my addrEss: 112 church strEEt c/o. sulEiman dowji aboo

Yours faithfully, cassam sulEiman ahmEd

S.N. 3381A

281. TELEGRAM FROM SUPERINTENDENT, INDIAN AMBULANCE CORPS


to m. k. Gandhi durban

PLEASE LET ME HAVE YOUR PAY SHEET FOR

DECEMBER AS WELL AS THE LAST ONE. NO NEWS YET.

supErintEndEnt, indian ambulancE corps

S.N. 3387

1 As in the source.

Letter from Manager, African Banking Corporation Limited 255



DEAR MR. GANDHI,

Thank you for your specimens. I shall send them home to England to my father.

Yours sincerely, f. a. lauGhton

S.N. 3388

283. LETTER FROM MANAGER, AFRICAN BANKING CORPORATION LIMITED

african bankinG corporation limitEd

rEG. no. 490 durban

February 22, 1900Mr. M. K. Gandhi will find enclosed dishonoured cheque

£ 140 due by Percy F. Clarence1 in favour of himself.Answer “not provided for”The amount is to the debit of your No. 2 account.

Sd. manaGEr

S.N. 3389

1 Superintendent of the Indian Ambulance Corps and the Chief Engineer of the Public Works Department, Pietermaritzburg.


284. LETTER FROM HENRY BALE

maritzburGFebruary 24, 1900

m. k. Ghandi1 Esq. durban

DEAR SIR,

Included in the donations received from the Agent General was a small sum for poor Hindoos, especially those “toiling in the coal mines in Northern Natal, whom the Boers failed to induce Sir George White to add to his beleaguered numbers and who were fed by the enemy only once and that a fortnight ago.”

Are there any such Indians?Can you also tell me whether there are any Indian refugees

who are not able to make a livelihood?Yours faithfully, hEnry balE

chairman, voluntEEr & war rEliEf committEE

S.N. 3392

285. LETTER FROM W. H. D. GOSS

attornEy GEnEral’s officE piEtErmaritzburG



DEAR SIR,

I am desired by Mr. Bale to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of 26th Curt.2 and to inform you that it will be placed before the Committee at its next meeting.

Yours truly, w. h. d. Goss

S.N. 3393

1 As in the source.2 This letter is not available.

Letter from Gilbert Nilkinson 257

286. LETTER FROM GILBERT NILKINSON

ottawa EstatEFebruary 27, 1900

mr. Ghandi1,

SIR,

I enclose you a list of Indians who have deserted from the Estate. I hear they have joined the stretcher bearer contingent for the front.

I understand they have been recruited by you.I shall feel much obliged if you will kindly help me to

recover these men, and return them to the Estate with any money that may be due to them after deducting expenses. Any balance can go to some relief fund.

You can assure them that no proceedings will be taken against them for deserting, and they will be pardoned.

I have several desertions amongst free men who have left their families here, but if they survive will sure to turn up some day, in haste.

Yours faithfully, GilbErt nilkinson

No. 1 Chinnasawmi No. 67010 from Madras 10th March 1894 age 11 years Height 4 feet 7 inches (growing) Bodily marks, linear sear in front of left upper arm, mole on left collar bone.

No. 2 Venkatachalam Naidu No. 64741 from Madras 5th December 1896 age 35 years Height 5 feet 7 inches Bodily marks, small scar in front of left fore arm, sear on abdomen.

No. 3 Venketsami Naidu No. 64742 Same ship as above Father’s name, Doraisamy Naidu age 22 years Height 5

feet 4 inches Bodily marks, scar on left shin and another one behind left fore arm supposed to have the free pass of Venkatasami No. 53162

No. 4 Narsamma Naidu No. 65073 Same ship as above

1 As in the source.


Father’s name Chinipiri Naidu Age 30 years Height 5 feet 5 inches. Bodily marks round scar on right side of the neck, and

scar on right fore armNo. 5 Naranisami No. 75392 From Madras 29 September 1898 Father’s name Chengabroyan. Bodily marks mole on centre

of chest scar on right knee cap.No. 6 Kuppadu No. 75381 From Madras 28 September, 1898 Father’s name Ramudev Age 28 years Height 5 feet 5 inches Bodily marks 3 small moles in front of left shoulder and

another one on abdomen.No. 7 Annamalai Reddi No 75395 Father’s name Chengalrozen Reddi Age 35 years Height 5 feet 3 inches Bodily marks, small scar on right hand, mole on left side

of the neck.No. 8 Kistisami No 63966 from Madras Age 28 years, transferred temporarily from has white

patches, where burnt or scalded.

S.N. 3724

287. TELEGRAM FROM SUPERINTENDENT, INDIAN AMBULANCE CORPS


to Gandhi durban

I WANT UPTO TWO HUNDRED MEN FOR LADYSMITH SANITARY

WORK NOT AS BEARERS PRICE TWO TEN A MONTH DON’T ENGAGE

DEFINITELY BUT LET ME KNOW IF THEY CAN BE HAD AT THE PRICE

supErintEndEnt, indian ambulancE corps

S.N. 3721

Telegram from Rahim K. Khan 259

288. LETTER FROM AUGUSTINE MOONSAMY

February 28, 1900HONOURABLE SIR,

I your servant Augustine.DEAR SIR,

I am waiting from a long time with my men. We are all ready to go to the front like before and all my 5 men are doing nothing at home waiting for the order and we don’t know whether we are going again or not. And I hope dear Sir you will answer me this letter as quick as possible and please do let me know if I am to keep my men ready or not because they are all doing nothing waiting for the order still and if you answer me this letter I will gather some more men.

I remain yours, Most obedient servant

auGustinE, sirdar of thE maritzburG mEn

GanG of 50 mEn

This is my addressto auGustinE moonsamy c/o fathEr show roman catholic church p. m. burG

S.N. 3722

289. TELEGRAM FROM RAHIM K. KHAN

mooi rivErMarch 5, 1900

Gandhi durban

DETAINED MOOI RIVER NO PASS NO TICKET FROM PIETERMARITZBURG

AS OFFICE CLOSED PLATFORM INSPECTOR THERE ALLOWED

US GO ON SAYING SEND TICKETS AFTER SEE R & O DURBAN.

r. k. khan

S.N. 3401





March 12, 1900SIR,

With reference to your letter of the 22nd ultimo1 requesting that, if possible, the gift of the Queen’s chocolate might be obtained for the Indian Volunteer Leaders of the Ambulance Corps, I have the honour to inform you that His Excellency the Governor has communicated with the Military Authorities upon the subject, who state that with every desire to comply with your request, they fear that it is impossible for them to do so, instructions having been issued from Headquarters at the Cape to the effect that the issue of the chocolate is to be strictly confined to enlisted Non-Commissioned Officers and men.




m. k. Gandhi p. o. box 66, durban

S.N. 3405

1 Refer, “Letter to Colonial Secretary, Natal”, CWMG Vol. 3, p. 160.



GoodrickE, lauGhton & cookE latE GoodrickE & sons advocatEs, solicitors and notariEs public

335, smith strEEt durban

natalMarch 22, 1900

m. k. Gandhi Esq.

DEAR SIR,

Malcomees & Co. V. M. C. Camroodeen

In my opinion the Defendants have no defence to the summons herein founded on a bill of exchange drawn by the Plaintiffs on the Defendants in favour of the Standard Bank and accepted by the Defendants, thus: —

“Accepted 7th September 1899, payable at our office Johannesburg.”

By law 8. 1887 Sec. 18 (2) the above acceptance is a “general acceptance” (see also Selby V. Eden 4 L.J. (O. S.) C.P. 198.)

Section 51 of the above law provides that “when a bill is accepted generally, presentment for payment is not necessary in order to render the acceptor liable”; and section 51(3) provides that “in order to render the acceptor of a bill liable, it is not necessary to protest, or that notice of dishonour should be granted to him.”

And section 52 of the above Law provides that “a bill, of itself, does not operate as an assignment of funds in the hands of the drawee for the payment thereof.”

The bill thereof is, as against the Defendants, a debt which at or after maturity maybe demanded wherever they may be found whether previously presented for payment or not.

It has been demanded here and the fact that the Defendants have sustained losses at Johannesburg owing to the war, is beside the question.



Fee £ 1: 1/-The Defendants are domiciled here … …1 not render of

their contract impossible of performance, only inconvenient.2 Encls2.

S.N. 3413

292. TELEGRAM FROM KISTA

mooi rivErMarch 24, 1900

to Gandhi durban

WE ARE STARVING. WE DON’T GET NO RICE WE CANNOT

WORK WE THINK WE COMING TO DURBAN PLEASE WIRE.

kista

S.N. 3415

293. LETTER FROM PERCY F. CLARENCE

mEmorandum

April 17, 1900DEAR GANDHI,

I send cheque for balance of a/c, do oblige we like a good chap, have the receipt witnessed & return today — I have only just discovered it is not quite cleared off as I was looking over it before sending it in, as settled. I hope you are all well, give my kindest regards to all the boys.

Yours very faithfully, pErcy f. clarEncE

S.N. 3441

1 Not deciphered.2 These enclosures are not available.

Letter from the Natal Government Railways 263


f. no. 771 all communications to bE addrEssEd to thE GEnEral manaGEr n. c. 17987

GEnEral manaGEr natal GovErnmEnt railways

durbanApril 19, 1900

m. k. Gandhi Esq., solicitor mErcury lanE durban

DEAR SIR,

Re Bhano 1 bag

With further reference to your letter of 23rd March1, every enquiry has been made but I regret to say without finding trace of the missing bag I am therefore agreeable to settle this man’s claim. I have however to draw your attention to the items for ear rings and an Indian Coin said to be in the bag in question.

The Department cannot accept liability for Gold or Silver trinkets unless such are declared at time of delivery to the Department and insurance charges paid thereon, cheque for the difference will be sent on hearing from you.

Yours faithfully, j. m. huntEr

asst. GEnEral manaGEr pEr.

Sd.

S.N. 3443



295. LETTER FROM HERBERT KITCHIN 1

ElandslaaGtE2

April 20, 1900DEAR MR. GANDHI,

I have been a long while replying to your telegram, but lately we have had a busy and exciting time, and that must be my excuse. I am glad to say that I have received one letter from you, one from Mr. Khan, a paper, and an English letter re-directed. Yours was addressed to Sundays River3. All others have gone astray. I must thank you for troubling about the fruit, although as I had left Ladysmith I did not receive it. However as Mr. Shastor I presume has had the benefit of it, I do not consider that gone astray.

Your telegram, by the way, came to me as from “Goghi”, an error I attribute to your handwriting. I was away from camp when it reached Sundays River, and it was forwarded to me at Modderspruit4 I was away with a party of eight Indians, a corporal and a sapper, taking down a portion of the Boer telegraph line round Ladysmith. We passed three of the Boer laagers. All of them are filthy, and are noticeable for the number of truants left behind, the quantity of cartridges scattered about and the number of bottles and English biscuit tins. We could have picked up a couple of sackfuls of cartridges. A party of our men taking down the Boer line from Spionkop brought in 20,000. They also dropped across a party of Boers who put a shell in the midst of them. Luckily no one was hurt. I came across a stray horse, which I suppose was left behind by the Boers, but it was too wild and I could not catch it. Had I been able to, I could have sold it for a decent sum. As we were coming back, we heard the sound of big guns at Sunday’s

1 A theosophist, edited Indian Opinon after Mansukhlal H. Nazar’s premature death lived with M. K. Gandhi for a time and worked with him during the Boer War. Gandhi described him as ‘with a heart pure as crystal’.

2 A farming and coal-mining centre about 26 km. north-east of Ladysmith and also a battle field for the Second Anglo-Boer War during October 1899.

3 The Sundays River or Nukakamma is a river in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa.

4 A town in Bojanala District Municipality in the North West province of South Africa.

Letter from Herbert Kitchin 265

river. At Modderspruit we were stopped by a picket, we had to wait 24 hours before we were allowed to go on, and even then we were told we went at our own risk. We learned after that the camp at Sunday’s River had been shelled. Our own little camp was in a direct line with a camp that was struck several times. After the second shot they struck tents and everyone took cover among some big rocks. None of our fellows were hurt. Four of the Indians were in camp and there was a little trouble with them. Everyday they had to take rations to the telegraph offices at two different camps, and on this particular day I hope you will find time to wade through this hurried letter. It is a hundred pounder compared with my usual. I shall be writing to Nazar soon, although of course this letter is to the three of you. I noticed Mr. Khans’s name in the paper this morning. This reminds me to send you the enclosed cutting1 from the Daily Graphic. Of course you said that a question had been asked in the House of Commons regarding the Indian Ambulance some weeks ago. If not, send cutting.

By the way, I heard that Kruger had sent a second peace proposal. If this be true, I should very much like to see a paper containing it and Lord Salisbury’s reply. We seldom get a paper here. Well, I must have mercy on you and close this letter.

With kind regards to you all and a kiss for Ramdas.Yours sincerely,

hErbErt kitchin

p. s. What does your Sanskrit mean? And have you written yet

for a Sanskrit copy of Patanjali?S.N. 3444

1 This is not available.



f. no. 771 all communications to bE addrEssEd to thE GEnEral manaGEr n. c. 17987

GEnEral manaGEr natal GovErnmEnt railways

durban April 23, 1900


DEAR SIR,

Re Bhano 1 bag

I am in receipt of your favour of 20th instant1. I regret I am unable to form a precedent in favour of your client. Had the Department been informed of the bag containing jewellery greater care would of course have been necessary to provide against theft but no declaration having been made it was treated as ordinary merchandise with the result that it was stolen during transit. The matter has to be treated on business lines without respect of persons and I shall therefore send you a cheque for the balance on hearing from you.

Yours faithfully, j. m. huntEr

asst. GEnEral manaGEr pEr.

Sd.

S.N. 3446



297. LETTER FROM HERBERT KITCHINtElEGraph battalion, r. E.

ElandslaaGtE1 Monday, April 23, 1900

DEAR MR. GANDHI,

Will you please engage, if possible, three English speaking Indians for the Army Telegraphs to take the place of those who wish to leave. The pay is £ 3 per month. If good men I would recommend for an increase. I would like men of good physique, as occasionally the work is hard. They must leave Durban on the 30th instant. If you can manage this, wire to me care Lt. Hildebrand, Elandslaagte, and I will make the necessary arrangements.

I hope you received my letter of the 21st safely, and have sent my books care of Mrs. Sinclair, 188 Victoria Road, Pietermaritzburg.

All my men are well, except the young fellow who is down with fever, and he will be all right in a couple of days.

I shall be writing again shortly. With kind regards to you all.

Yours sincerely, hErbErt kitchin

S.N. 3447

298. LETTER FROM HERBERT KITCHINElandslaaGtE


I hope you received my letter of yesterday 2, asking you to send up those Indians as soon as possible, applying to the RSO, Durban, for tickets and passes. I asked you also to send me those pairs of electricians’ pliers, for which I said I enclosed 6/-. But when I got to the Post Office it was just closing time, so I could not send it then. Time, like everything else here, is a little uncertain just now. It is almost as bad as at Johannesburg. I have not been at all busy lately. This has been a little word

1 Elandslaagte is a farming and coal-mining centre about 26 km. north-east of Ladysmith. Afrikaans for ‘elands flat’, it was the scene of the Battle of Elandslaagte, one of the first battles of the Second Anglo-Boer War, on 21-10-1899.



in a morning lately, and then nothing for the rest of the day. The last three afternoons I have been making cakes and toffee! That is warlike work, eh? The iron cooking pots make captive ovens, with a little fire on the lid as well as underneath. Your letter hasn’t come to hand yet. It is very strange because lately I have written two letters to Pietermaritzburg, and have had replies by return via Ladysmith. I have forgotten to ask whether you had the registered letter returned to you. Please let me know.

Have you heard lately from either Ritch1 or Playford. I have not yet written to them.

I hope you will excuse my troubling you so much.All good wishes.

Yours sincerely, hErbErt kitchin

S.N. 3731

299. LETTER FROM HERBERT KITCHIN

c/o. lt. hildEbrand r. E. tElEGraphs

ElandslaaGtEMay 3, 1900

DEAR MR. GANDHI,

I have actually received one of your letters! It is the one written after you received my telegram. I hope you will be able to get the three Indians as the officer has asked me once or twice about them, and the other men want to go. If you can’t manage it, I must try to get a couple of days leave for a trip to Durban.

I am making enquiries at Ladysmith as to my letters.Yours sincerely,

hErbErt kitchin

[p. s.]I wrote yesterday enclosing the 6/- omitted from previous

letter!S.N. 3732

1 Louis / Lewis Walter Ritch gave up business in 1903 and became an articled clerk under M. K. Gandhi. He introduced M. K. Gandhi to the members of Theosophical Society. He left for England in 1905 for legal studies and there he did much valuable work on behalf of South African Indians.


300. LETTER FROM HERBERT KITCHIN

c/o. lt. hildEbrand …1 tElEGraphs

ladysmithMay 6, 1900

DEAR MR. GANDHI,

The three Indians have arrived safely. Thanks for the fruit and chocolate and the books and pills. One of the men (V. Naicker, the bearer of this) has three days leave. I enclose £ 10 which I wish you to keep for me. I also enclose a … … …2. Mine has given out. Please get me a Waterbury and send it up by Naicker. I also want a piece of thick wash leather to make a purse, my last one having slipped out of my pocket somehow. Also 4lbs of ground rice which you may get at any grocer’s. I think the £ 1 will more than cover these. If not let me know.

I note 5/- to be deducted from Veeranan’s pay.In great haste

Sincerely, h. kitchin

p. s.Please tell Nazar I will give Alexander his compliments. Your letter3 seems to come through all right now. The last

registered one was open as well as both the letters enclosed. The first reg[ister] I never received. If not returned I will make enquiries.

hkS.N. 3449

1 Not deciphered.2 Illegible in the source.3 This is not available.



durbanMay 14, 1900

m. k. Gandhi Esq.,

DEAR SIR,

Re Dawad Mahomed

I enclose my opinion.Yours truly,

f. a. lauGhton

1 Encl. :It appears that plans for the erection of certain buildings

in Field St, known as Wright’s Buildings, was passed by the Durban Corporation & that when so passed the first floor was shown as divided into four large rooms described as show rooms: that Mr. Dawad Mahomed became the tenant of the premises & converted each of the said show rooms into several rooms, three of them by wooden partitions from floor to ceiling & the fourth by dwarf partitions: that he carried out the above alterations without the authority if & without previously submitting plans to the Durban Corporation: and that he was prosecuted by the Inspector of Nuisances under the 64th Bye Law & convicted.-

I am requested to advise whether he was guilty of any offences under the said Bye Law & consequently whether he was rightly convicted.

The above Bye Law provides (so far as material) as follows: —“Every person who shall intend to erect a building & every

builder or other person who shall contract for the erection of any building shall etc”

It appears to me quite clear that, under its ordinary acceptation the word “building” would not apply to wooden or dwarf wooden partitions. The rights of private owners of property being interfered with by the said Bye Laws, they must receive a strict construction, & the first point to consider is, has the word “building” been given a special meaning in the Bye Laws.

There is no definition of the word given but there is a definition of “new building” & that definition, if applicable,


might cover the conversion of certain buildings, under certain circumstances, into dwelling rooms by means of partitions.

The Magistrate seems to have held that because the partitions were new, therefore the definition of “new buildings” was applicable to the alterations so as to bring them under the word “building” used in the 64th Bye Law. I find however in the Bye Law the following terms used, viz: — “new building,” “building”, “existing building”, “new domestic building”, “new public building”, & “new building house”; the Bye Laws referred to are to be numbered, 2-4, 6-29 & 31-62.

I find also that the only definition given to these various terms are those applicable to “public buildings”, “buildings of the warehouse class”, “domestic buildings,” “dwelling house”, “new building”, “brick building”, “wood & iron building” & “brick & wood building”: —

When we find that a number of different kinds of buildings are referred to & that whenever any signification outside the ordinary meaning is intended for any such description of building a particular definition is given covering the same and that to one such description no such particular meaning is given, the conclusion is that it (the latter) was intended to bear its ordinary signification. To the word “building” no particular meaning is given, therefore it must bear its ordinary one.

In my opinion, the meaning which the Corporation, in their Bye Laws, has thought proper to give to the term “new building” has no application to any other words than “new building” so freely used in the Bye Laws.

The partitions then, not being a building under the 64th Bye Law, in my opinion such Bye Law has no application to the alleged offence & that the Defendant was wrongly convicted. — If an appeal be intend I would advise that it be on the ground — that it was not proved that the Defendant contravened the 64th Bye Law.

I am asked in the next place, supposing the definition given in the Bye Laws of a “new building” to be the definition of “building” used in the 64th Bye Law, was the conviction good.

In my opinion, the definitions of “domestic building” & “dwelling house” & “new building” must all be considered in arriving at a conclusion and that the two first must be taken together, the one being explanatory of the other or rather the second being explanatory of the first. A “domestic building” is described as a dwelling house and “a dwelling house” is described as “a building used or constructed or adapted to be used wholly


or principally for human habitation.” I have underlined the above words because they are most important to the proper construction of the definition of “new building” which the Magistrate found so material to the conviction of the Defendant.

The definition of “new building” includes the conversion into a “dwelling house of any building not originally constructed for human habitation.” If you convert the words “dwelling house” used above, into the words used in the definition thereof, as given in the Bye Laws, we have the definition of a “new building” as follows: —

The conversion into a building used or constructed or adapted to be used wholly or principally for human habitation of any building not originally constructed for human habitation. Put in this way, the nature of the conversion is clear.

I am of opinion that by the alterations in question there was no “conversion into a dwelling house of any building not originally constructed for human habitation,” because although the buildings were not originally wholly or principally constructed for that purpose, it was certainly one of the purposes, and, in the definition of “new building” it does not say — constructed wholly or principally for human habitation — & if it had, it would have been equivalent to saying that you cannot convert a dwelling house into a dwelling house which would have been absurd.

In my opinion therefore, even if the definition of “new building” applies to the word “building” as used in the 64th Bye Law, the Defendant was wrongly convicted.

f. a. lauGhton

durban 12 may 1900

S.N. 3450


302. LETTER FROM PERCY F. CLARENCE

mEmorandum

supErintEndEnt indian ambulancE corps piEtErmaritzburG

May 20, 1900m. k. Gandhi Esq.,

DEAR GANDHI,

I at last have the money for provisions & send you a cheque for £ 9.7.0 being outlay & for provisions etc. Kindly send me the accounts receipted & witnessed by return post & oblige forms.

p. f. clarEncES.N. 3451



natal May 23, 1900

SIR,

I am directed to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 21st instant1, forwarding message from representative Indians, conveying congratulations to Her Majesty The Queen on her 81st birthday, for transmission.




m. k. Gandhi Esq., box 66 DurbaN

c. s. o. 15S.N. 3733






June 15, 1900SIR,

I have the honour to inform you that the message from the representative Indians of Natal to the Secretary of State, forwarded under cover of your letter of the 21st ultimo1, was duly transmitted by telegraph on the 24th idem [sic], and that His Excellency the Governor has received the following reply thereto from the Secretary of State: —

“Her Majesty commands me to express her thanks to Natal Indians for loyal congratulations.”

With reference to the last paragraph of your letter, I am to add that the cost of the telegraphic message to England amounted to £ 3.14.0.





S.N. 3734


Letter from Chief Engineer, P. W. D. 275



natalJune 22, 1900

SIR,

I am directed to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 21st instant1, forwarding cheque for £ 3. 14. 0 being cost of cable message of congratulations to H. M. The Queen.




m. k. Gandhi Esq., 14 mErcury lanE, durban

c. s. o. 15S.N. 3735

306. LETTER FROM CHIEF ENGINEER, P. W. D.

chiEf EnGinEEr’s officE public works dEpartmEnt

piEtErmaritzburGJuly 9, 1900

SIR,

I am in receipt of your letter of the 4th instant2 with reference to discharges for Indian Ambulance Bearers.

I am obliged to you for bringing the matter up.The proposal is, in my opinion, a very proper one and I

shall see what can be done about it. I very much fear, however, that at this late date it will be rather a difficult matter to find



all the men. However, I shall be glad of any further suggestions you can give on the subject.

I am forwarding a copy of this letter to Mr. Donnelly with whom you are acquainted.

When you have conferred together please let me know the result.


Your obedient servant Sd.

for, chiEf EnGinEEr, p. w. d.

m. k. Gandhi Esq. 14, mErcury lanE durban

S.N. 3464

307. LETTER FROM THE ASSISTANT PROTECTOR OF INDIAN IMMIGRANTS

993/1900 in rEplyinG plEasE quotE

officE of thE protEctor of indian immiGrants durban

natalJuly 13, 1900


SIR,

With the view of assisting deserving cases among the members of the locally raised Indian Bearer Corps, I shall feel obliged if you will furnish me with the names and places of residence of any members you may know requiring help under the following heads: —

1. Those who have suffered illness or injury of any kind owing to services which they have rendered as bearers.

Letter from The Protector of Indian Immigrants 277

2. Those who have suffered direct pecuniary loss owing to their volunteering work.


assistant protEctor of immiGrants

S.N. 3469

308. LETTER FROM THE PROTECTOR OF INDIAN IMMIGRANTS

mEmorandum

officE of thE protEctor of indian immiGrants durban

natalJuly 23, 1900

m. k. Gandhi Esqr. advocatE durban

DEAR SIR,

I shall feel obliged for an answer to my letter to you of the 13th instant1 re Indians suffering from illness, injury of any kind, or direct pecuniary loss owing to their volunteering work as bearers.


protEctor of immiGrants

S.N. 3470





natalAugust 3, 1900

SIR,

I am directed to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 2nd instant1 enclosing cable message to be sent to Her Gracious Majesty the Queen on behalf of the Natal Indians.2




m. k. Gandhi Esq., 11, mErcury lanE durban

c. s. o. 15S.N. 3738

310. LETTER FROM JETHALAL M. PARIKH

1, cloistErs tEmplE i london, E. c.

October 8, 1900DEAR MR. GHANDHI3

It is but fit that I should apologize at the very start for intruding upon you in such an informal manner. I have been thinking of writing to you for the past two or three years. But as I do not possess the privilege of knowing you, it made me

1 Refer, “Letter to Colonial Secretary, Natal”, CWMG Vol. 3-p.184.2 The Queen’s second son Prince Alfred — Duke of Saxe-Coburg and

Gotha — passed away on July 31.3 As in the source.

Letter from Jethalal M. Parikh 279

diffident. At least I have made up my mind to write to you even at the risk of offending you. And here I am.

You would like perhaps to know who I am. I come from Ahmedabad and know several persons known by you. The late Mr. Chaganlal Vora used to speak to me several times about you. In fact in 1895 just after my call he spoke to me and asked me whether I would care to go to Durban. I, however, did not see my way clear, and started practice here. I enclose two papers, which will explain what I have been doing here.

The object of writing this letter is, to be frank, a two fold one. One is interested, while the other is disinterested. I will first say a word or two with reference to the former. And it is this that I shall be much obliged if you will try and help me to make advancement in the profession, to which we have the honour to belong. Privy Council as well as other legal work is always welcome. As for the latter object (the disinterested) it is this that I shall always be glad to help you in advancing the cause, which you have been fighting for in South Africa. I may be allowed to say that I am a member of the British Committee of the Indian National Congress and have the honour to hold the Vice Presidentship of the London Indian Society during the current session. I speak whenever and wherever opportunity occurs upon our grievances and I shall always be pleased to speak on the grievances of our countrymen in South Africa, provided I am fully informed on the matter. Some arrangements are being made to hold a series of meetings during the coming winter to bring our cause before the British public. Mr. Dutt has the management of the whole affair. He has asked me to be one of the speakers, who will, probably, be three or four in number.

The general election will be very disappointing as far as India is concerned. The well known champions of our cause will unfortunately be out of the House.

Trusting to be excused.Believe me, Yours truly,

jEthalal m. parikh S.N. 3512


311. LETTER FROM KARIM BHAYAT

poonaNovember 23, 1900

MY DEAR MR. GHANDI1

On the 16th of this month I have arrived from Egypt by s. s. Arabia. I stopped about two months in England & about 15 days at Paris. On my way to India I broke my journey at Port Said for Egypt, where I stopped about a fortnight. I had been to Cairo, Luxor, Assuan (Aaswan) etc.

I remember your kindness and timely support which I had at Durban from you & all friends which I will always remember. I had a very long talk regarding the ill treatment which we had from the managers of the hotels at Durban, here with the Honourable Mr. P.M. Mehta, whom I have given the copies of my correspondence which I had with the P.S. to the Governor of Natal, which he is going to publish in all the papers in a day or two & then he will make the necessary arrangements to bring the fact before the Government. Of course I will support him also on the subject. I will send you the copies of such papers in which the matter will appear for your information. I had a very long talk also with the Hon. Mr. P.M. Mehta2 regarding your kindness & support which you gave me there. I must say that we were very honourably treated every else on our voyage except at Durban, which I will always speak to every Govt. official, & will always try to support you & every Indian for such treatment which they get from Durban Hotel keepers etc on the best possible way.

Please remember me to Messrs. Khan, H. Imam Khan, Cawasji & all Indian gentlemen now residing at Durban.

Yours sincerely, karim bhayat

p. s.I had promised you to bring this subject in the papers etc.

in England, which I could not do there on the advice of my official friends which they have asked me to do through Indian papers for some reasons.

Please excuse the haste.S.N. 3537

1 As in the source.2 Dr. Pranjivan J. Mehta.

Letter from R. K. Pather 281

312. LETTER FROM R. K. PATHER

umGEni roadDecember 10, 1900

m. k. Gandhi Esq.

DEAR SIR,

Your letters of demand for £ 26 regarding Congress membership on the 1st instant1. I came to your office & asked you to wait till the 16th instant. You agreed to it, but I am surprised to receive your letter of demand as arranged I shall be obliged if you please wait till 17th instant, when I shall make a fair settlement.

Yours truly, r. k. pathEr

S.N. 3552



APPENDICES

appEndix i

LIST OF MEMBERS OF THE NATAL INDIAN CONGRESS, DURBAN AND DURBAN BOROUGH 1

no. namE subscription addrEss

1. abdul karim h adam £ 2 wEst st.2. abdul kadir £ 2 GrEy st.3. a colEndvaloo pillay & co. 30/- fiEld st.4. adamji miankhan 20/ fiEld st.5. a. Essop 5/- fiEld st.6. ahmEd salEji 7/6 wEst st.7. ahmEd hafEji moosa 5/ fiEld st.8. amod jEEwa 20/. fiEld st.9. a. m. parEkh 10/. wEst st.10. a. m. tilly 10/- GrEy st.11. arnachEllam pathEr 5/- GrEy st.12. anandrai GanEsh 5/- GrEy st.13. amod mal 5/- wEst st.14. a kEsvalloo 10/- duff’s rd.15. amod dowji 5/- umGEni rd.16. atmaram dulabji 5/- umGEni rd.17. alum khan 5/- bamboo sq.18. amod dowji 5/- bamboo sq.19. abdul majid 5/- bamboo sq.20. adam sahib 5/- umGEni

21. abdul rahim sadat 5/ buttEry placE

22. ahmEd afjal 10/- buttEry placE

23. abboy chEtty 5/- sickoli placE

24. alum 10/- tonGaat

25. ahmEd bham 5/- tonGaat

26. abdul rahman 5/- Estcourt

27. abdul rahim 5/- ladysmith

28. a. m. amod & co. 5/- nEwcastlE

1 Probably the list is from 1895.

APPENDIX I 283

29. abdul kadir blackburn

30. abdul

31. amod hassam

32. birnGinath maharaj 5/- c/o parsEE rustomjEE Esq.33. boodhua GrEEn wood park

34. bunnoo aruff 5 sydEnham

35. baliram bEllair

36. captain hastabEEr 37. cassimji amoji 10/- wEst st.38. cassim a. mansoor 5/- wEst st.39. chimroo (butchEr) 5/- umGEni rd.40. chimankhan 41. chinappa pillay GrEy st.42. dowd mahomEd 30 wEst st.43. dhanGisha manchErji 5/- 44. dowji mamooji mutala 5/- fiEld st.45. mahomEd sidat 5/- wEst st.46. dada juma 5/- GrEy st.47. dowji lala 10/- rorkE’s drift

48. dowji ismail 5/- wEst st. 49. dowd hassam 5/- buttEry placE

50. docrat a. m. 5/- c/o cassimji amojEE Esq.51. doorkhan princE Ed. st.52. dada usman umsinGa

53. Essop cassim umGEni

54. Essop amod 5/- wEst st.55. Essopji umar 5/- wEst st.56. Ebrahimiji Essackji 10/- point rd.57. Elai bux 5/- sickoli placE

58. a. m. amod & co. 5/- inhambanE

59. Ebrahim E. moonia

60. G. a. bassa 10/- fiEld st.61. G. h. sinG 5/- wEst st.62. Goolam hoosEn randEri 5/- wEst st.63. Gora mahomEd 5/- wEst st.64. GEEva GoGa 5/- wEst st.65. Gokul 5/3 umGEni rd.66. Goolam hussEn 5/- bamboo sq.67. Goolam moosa buttEry placE


68. GulGar 5/- buttEry placE

69. Gooroosamy (sudar) 5/-70. hussEn mEErim 10/- wEst st.71. hussEn cassim 20/- wEst st.72. cassim juma 5/- GrEy st.73. hirji valji 5/- umGEni rd.74. hiranana maharaj 5/- princE Ed. st.75. haji ibrahim 5/- pinEtown

76. ibrahim a. khatri 10/- GrEy st.77. ibrahim ismail 5/- markEt st.78. ismail kika 5/- fiEld st.79. ismail ibrahim m. 10/- wEst st.80. ismail kadir 5/- fiEld st.81. ismail timol 5/- GrEy st.82. ismail adam 5/- fiEld st.83. joosaph abdul karim 5 wEst st.84. jalam chodri 5/- umGEni rd.85. kara hada

86. lachEram c 5/- GrEy st.87. lutchmEE 5/- umGEni rd.88. m. E. kathrada 10/- GrEy st.89. m. k. Gandhi 20/- bEach GroovE

90. m. m. paruk 5/- wEst st.91. moosa hajEE cassim 22/6 wEst st.92. moosa hajEE adam 10/- GrEy st.93. moosa hoosEn sidat 5/- fiEld st.94. moosa amod salooji 5/- wEst st.95. munGathoy pns 5/- wEst st.96. munshi a. r. paGini 5/- GrEy st.

durban borouGh

no. namE subs. addrEss

1 abdul karim h. adam wEst strEEt

2. cassim mahomEd batasi GrEy st.3. mahomEd cassim anGlia GrEy st.4. a. c. pillay & co fiEld st.5. v. a. Essop fiEld st.6. ahmEd hussEn fiEld st.7. ahmEd salajEE GrEy st.8. amod hafiji moosa wEst st.

APPENDIX I 285

9 amod jEEwa fiEld st.10 a. m. paruk wEst st.11 a. m. tilly GrEy st.12. arnachEllam pathEr GrEy st.13. anandrai GanEst GrEy st.14. amod ismail mayat GrEy st.15. amod mal wEst st.16. amod dowjEE umGEni rd.17 atmaran duilabjEE umGEni rd.18. alum khan bamboo sq.19. amod dowjEE bamboo sq.20. abdul majid bamboo sq.21. a. m. sidat wEst st.22. cassimjEE amojEE wEst st.23. cassim a. mansoor wEst st.24. chumroo (butchEr) umGEni rd.25. chinappa pillay GrEy st.26. dowd mahomEd fiEld st.27. dhanGisha manchErji fiEld st.28. d. m. mutala fiEld st.29. d.m.sidat wEst st.30. dada juma GrEy st.31. dawjEE lala GrEy st.32. dowjEE ismail wEst st.33. dowd hassam wEst st.34. a. m. docrat

35. Essop suliman commErcial rd.36. EbrahimjEE EssackjEE point rd.37. G. a. bassa fiEld st.38. G. h. sinGh wEst st.39. G. h. randEri wEst st.40. Gora mahomEd wEst st.41. GEEva GoGa wEst st.42. Goolam hussEn bamboo sq.43. hussEn mEErum GrEy st.44. hussEn cassim GrEy st.45. ---------- -----------46.. hirji valji umGEni rd.47. hafEji suliman GrEy st.48. ibrahim n. khatri GrEy st.


49. ibrahim ismail fiEld st.50. ismail m. asGari commErcial rd.51. ismail kira fiEld st.52. m. ismail ibrahim wEst st.53. ismail kadir fiEld st.54. ismail timob GrEy st.55. jalam chodri umGEni rd.56. kara hada umGEni rd.57. c. lachEram GrEy st.58. lutchmEE umGEni rd.601 mahomEd hafEji ibrahim GrEy st.61. mahomEd hafEji cassim fiEld st.62. m. s. khoha GrEy st.63. m. a. bassa fiEld st.64. m. E. kathrada GrEy st.65. m. m. paruk wEst st.66. moosa hajEE cassim wEst st.67. moosa hajEE adam wEst st.68. m. k. sidat fiEld st.69. m. a. saloojEE wEst st.70. munGathory wEst st.71. munshi a. r. paGini GrEy st.72. munshi a. d. moGraria fiEld st.73. mahomEd dowjEE wEst st.74. mahomEd GrEy st.75. munnoo maharaj bamboo sq.76. molvi fatEh mahomEd GrEy st.77. k. mooroojasa pillay victoria st.78. mahomEd Ebrahim bamboo sq.79. salEh mahomEd wEst st.80. narayana pathEr GrEy st.81. marsiram tulsiram wEst st.82. n. d. joshi wEst st.83. nizamoodEEn princE Ed.st.84. nEpaulsinG umGEni rd.85. nia matula GrEy st.86. o. arumuGam & … wEst st.87. osmankhan ramEt ran GrEy st.

1 As in the source.

APPENDIX II 287

88. parsEE rustomjEE fiEld st.89. p. dowjEE mahomEd fiEld st.90. pEErun mahomEd GrEy st.91. poonsamy pathEr wEst st.92. r. appasamy pathEr pinE st.93. runGasamy padayachi umGEni rd

94. ramahari (Goldsmith) umGEni rd

95. rahim bucrus fiEld st.96. raboobco victoria st.97. sadasivE pathEr fiEld st.

S.N. 3616

appEndix ii

LETTER FROM RICH C. ALEXANDER 1

policE station durban

natalMarch 30, 1897

abdool carim (dada abdoolla and co.) indian mErchants durban

DEAR SIR,

Permit me, through you, to acknowledge with deep gratitude the very handsome Present of a Gold Watch which you have forwarded to me on behalf of the leading Indian Merchants of this Borough, who have signed the Address accompanying it, requesting me to receive the Watch in recognition of my Services on the occasion of the landing of our friend Mr. Advocate Gandhi on the 13th January last.

I must again assure you that I did but do my duty towards one in distress, also that duty was the more pleasant from the knowledge that I was defending a friend and a gentleman, and I can now wish pride hand down this valuable present to my children as a reminder that “honesty is the best policy”, no matter with whom we have to deal.

1 Refer, “Letter to R. C. Alexander”, CWMG Vol. 2, pp. 229-230.


I deeply regret the some of the disturbance, and I sincerely hope that we may continue to his as becomes the Subjects of the Most Gracious Majesty Queen Victoria.

And I remain Dear sir

Yours most sincerely, rich c. alExandEr

supErintEndEnt of policE durban

S.N. 3662

appEndix iiiLETTER FROM JANE ALEXANDER 1

durban natal

March 30, 1897abdool carim (dada abdoolla & co.) indian mErchants

DEAR SIR,

The very handsome Gold Watch and chain accompanied by the address signed by you, and other trading Merchants of this Borough, has taken me by surprise, and I really know not how to acknowledge the generous gift of these gentlemen, except by receiving the same and thanking you all sincerely for recognizing the very trifling services. My presence near Mr. Gandhi, at the time he was so cowardly treated by those who really could not have known what they were doing, and who must now I think feel exceedingly sorry for their unmanly acts my presence bring but a pure accident I don’t feel myself worthy of such generous recognition but I trust the inscription on this valuable present to-gether both the address will help me and those after me to do our duty towards all men.

Again thanking you, I am,

Dear Sir, Yours sincerely,

j. alExandErS.N. 2182

1 Refer, “Letter to Mrs. Alexander”, CWMG Vol. 2, p. 230.

APPENDIX IV 289

appEndix iv

LETTER FROM DEPARTMENT OF POLICE

main policE station, durban

march 30, 1897abdool carim (dada abdoolla & co.) indian mErchants durban

DEAR SIR,

I have received from you through Superintendent Alexander £ 10 for distribution among those of the force, who on the night of the 13th January last rendered Assistance to Mr. Advocate Gandhi on his landing here.

On behalf of my fellow officers, allow me to say that our Services were freely rendered and without any view to recompense, but that the way in which you have recently recognized the efforts of the force upon the occasion mentioned fully indicates to us the good feeling which does exist and we hope will always continue to exist between a civilian force and the Law-abiding members of a wired European and Asiatic Community.

Our thanks to you would be indeed incomplete if we omitted to express our congratulations to Mr. Gandhi upon the happy results of his courageous landing in Natal, and we hope that health and prosperity may continue with him and with his well-wishers and countrymen.

I beg to remain, For self and fellow officers

Yours very sincerely, thomas h. watts dEpartmEnt of policE

S.N. 3661


appEndix v

LOG BOOK 1

no: from whom2 to whom datE s.n. / not availablE3

Aairens J. B. M. K. Gandhi 28-01-1895 N. A.29 Ally H. L. do 02-08-1895 S.N. 358843 Arnold Foster H.

O.do 23-10-1895 N. A.

[4]5 Abdoorahaman do 27-10-1895 S.N. 3596Alley H. L. do 02-11-1895 N. A.Appasamy O. N. do 13-12-1895 N. A.Askew O. J. do 24-01-1896 S.N. 3619do do 11-03-1896 S.N. 795do do 13-03-1896 S.N. 803do do 13-03-1896 N. A.Adam J. M. do 01-02-1897 S.N. 3642do do 09-02-1897 N. A.

[2]29 Anthony A. Simon do 06-05-1897 S.N. 2316254 Arbuthnot & Co. do 25-06-1897 N. A.257 do do 30-06-1897 N. A.286 A. G. Hoosen &

Co. do 27-01-1897 N. A.

346 do do 18-03-1897 N. A.361 African Banking

Corporationdo 25-03-1897 N. A.

388 Askew O. J. do 10-04-1897 N. A.

1 According to Sabarmati Ashram’s archival database this is an incomplete alphabetical list of letters received by M. K. Gandhi during 1895 to 1898.

2 All the spellings are as in the original.3 Not all the letters listed in the Log Book are available with the Sabarmati

Archives.

APPENDIX V 291

395 African Banking Corporation

do 17-04-1897 N. A.

452 Arbuthnot & Co. do 19-06-1897 N. A.465 Alexander R. L. do 09-07-1897 N. A.479 Amod Beg

Mahomeddo 24-07-1897 N. A.

511 do do 25-08-1897 N. A.565 Anderson

H. E. K.do 08-10-1897 N. A.

582 Ajum Goolam Hossen & Co.

do 26-10-1897 N. A.

583 do do 27-10-1897 N. A.594 Anderson

H. E. K.do 08-11-1897 N. A.

515 Ajum Goolam Hoosen & Co.

do 24-11-1897 N. A.

653 Askew O. J. do 09-12-1897 N. A.727 Ajum Goolam

Hoosen do 21-02-1898 N. A.

44 Bennett & Davis M. K. Gandhi 25-10-1895 N. A.47 Baker & Lindsay do 04-11-1895 S.N. 359951 Byran Gabriel do [Nov. 1895] S.N. 360352 Baker & Lindsay do 11-11-1895 S.N. 360457 do do 19-11-1895 N. A.58B Byran Gabriel do 06-12-1895 S.N. 360988 Baker & Lindsay do 20-01-1896 S.N. 994110 Boyes L. E. do 27-03-1896 N. A.175 Bourke E. Dada Abdoolla

& Co.10-02-1897 N. A.

176 Branston J. D. Naoriji 11-02-1897 N. A.223 Bennett & Davis Parsee

Rustomjee27-04-1897 N. A.

258 Braum C. E. M. K. Gandhi 09-07-1897 S.N. 3687263 Bennett & Davis do 02-08-1897 N. A.288 Bhownaggaree M.

M.do 29-10-1897 S.N. 2580


296 Braum C. E. do 20-12-1897 N. A.293 Burgers M. do 05-02-1897 N. A.295 Bodkin A. W. do 05-02-1897 N. A.312 Burgers M. do 25-02-1897 N. A.322 Burgers M. do 05-03-1897 N. A.345 Burgers M. do 18-03-1897 N. A.347 Burne

Benningfield Coakes P. E. 18-03-1897 N. A.

363 Burgers M. Gandhi M. K. 27-03-1897 N. A.367 Binns Percy do 29-03-1897 N. A.381 Burgers M. do 05-04-1897 N. A.390 Burgers M. do 12-04-1897 N. A.408 Burne

Benningfielddo 06-04-1897 N. A.

414 Burgers M. do 10-05-1897 N. A.432 Benningfield &

Sonsdo 25-05-1897 N. A.

439 Burne Benningfield

do 02-06-1897 N. A.

450 Burgers M. do 17-06-1897 N. A.454 Broome W. do 26-06-1897 N. A.466 Biggs J. do 09-07-1897 N. A.468 Burgers M. do 10-07-1897 N. A.476 Brown W. G.

& Co.Mahomed Essop

21-07-1897 N. A.

490 Burgers M. Gandhi M.K. 05-08-1897 N. A.512 do do 27-08-1897 N. A. 515 Broome W. do 28-09-1897 N. A.531 Burgers M. do 20-09-1897 N. A.545 Benningfield &

Sondo 02-10-1897 N. A.

585 do do 30-10-1897 N. A.587 Burgers M. do 02-11-1897 N. A.593 do do 07-11-1897 N. A.

APPENDIX V 293

600 Benningfield & Son

do 13-11-1897 N. A.

639 Brown W. G. & Co.

do 02-12-1897 N. A.

643 Burgers M Gandhi M. K. 04-12-1897 N. A.644 do do 06-12-1897 N. A.645 do do 06-12-1897 N. A.656 do do 13-12-1897 N. A.659 do do 15-12-1897 N. A.666 do do 18-12-1897 N. A.682 Benningfield &

Sondo 07-01-1898 N. A.

713 Bell R. A. do 01-02-1898 N. A.740 Behrmann A do 04-03-1898 N. A.12 M.K.Gandhi Culling Worth 04-05-1895 N. A.13 Camrooden M. C. M.K. Gandhi 08-05-1895 S.N. 357915 do do 15-05-1895 N. A.16 do do 20-05-1895 S.N. 358118 do do 25-05-1895 S.N. 358219 do do 27-05-1895 S.N. 358320 do do 02-06-1895 S.N. 358422 do do 23-06-1895 N. A.23 Campbell A. M. do 26-06-1895 S.N. 38328 Camrooden

M. C.do 29-07-1895 S.N. 3587

31 do do 06-08-1895 N. A.53 do do 13-11-1895 N. A.56 do do 19-11-1895 N. A.85 Christopher Welsh do 18-12-1895 S.N. 69596 do do 27-02-1896 S.N. 756112 Crown Dansie do 30-03-1896 S.N. 831121 Christopher Welsh do 28-04-1896 S.N. 898174 Cameron A. M. do 10-02-1897 N. A.183 do do 16-02-1897 S.N. 3647191 do do 08-03-1897 S.N. 3653


196 “Contributor” do 16-03-1897 N. A.205 Campbell A. M. do 30-03-1897 S.N. 3663208 Cameron A. M. do 03-04-1897 N. A.225 do do 30-04-1897 N. A.237 Collins H. A. 25-05-1897 N. A.253 Copeland W. do 25-06-1897 N. A.264 do do 11-08-1897 N. A.266 do do 14-08-1897 N. A.268 do do 24-08-1897 N. A.269 do do 26-08-1897 N. A.273 do do 01-09-1897 N. A.274 do do 03-09-1897 N. A.278 do do 09-09-1897 N. A.303 Coakes P. E. do 17-02-1897 N. A.307 Coakes P. E. Gandhi 22-02-1897 N. A.313 do do 26-02-1897 N. A.317 do do 02-03-1897 N. A.328 do do 10-03-1897 N. A.334 Castle Mail

Packetsdo 12-03-1897 N. A.

336 Coakes P. E. do 12-03-1897 N. A.339 do do 13-03-1897 N. A.354 do do 23-03-1897 N. A.386 Castle Mail

Packetsdo 09-04-1897 N. A.

412 Cameron A. M. do 08-05-1897 N. A.417 do do 11-05-1897 S.N. 3676487 Colenbrander H. J. do 29-07-1897 N. A.489 Coakes P. E. do 04-08-1897 N. A.494 Cheffy S. A. do 12-08-1897 N. A.522 Coakes P. E. do 03-09-1897 N. A.529 Castle Mail

PacketsA. G. Hoosen & Co.

16-09-1897 N. A.

569 Chadwick H. A. Gandhi M.K. 13-10-1897 N. A.622 Clerk of the Court do 27-11-1897 N. A.

APPENDIX V 295

669 Cameron A. M. do 18-12-1897 N. A.673 Charlie Nulliah do 21-12-1897 N. A.676 do do 27-12-1897 N. A.683 Carter Y. Y. do 08-01-1898 N. A.716 do do 03-02-1898 N. A.717 do do do N. A.722 Chief Judge

Porbunderdo N. A.

9 Dinglas W. M. M. K. Gandhi 17-04-1895 N. A.24 David Hunter M. K. Gandhi 01-07-1895 N. A.80 do do 10-12-1895 N. A. 89 do do 22-01-1896 N. A.95 do do 20-02-1896 N. A.100 Doorasamy

Pillay A. S.do 13-03-1896 S.N. 804

113 Dawson W. do 00-04-1896 N. A.115 David Hunter do 07-04-1896 N. A.119B do do 27-04-1896 N. A.132 Dadbhai Naoroji do 21-05-1896 S.N. 973134 do Rt. Honble Jos.

Chamberlain10-05-1896 N. A.

136 do do 16-04-1896 N. A.141 David Hunter M. K. Gandhi 09-06-1896 N. A.141 do do 02-06-1896 N. A.142 Dadabhai Naoroji do 27-08-1896 S.N. 1070145A David Hunter do 25-09-1896 N. A.145B do do 30-09-1896 N. A.149 Dadabhai Naoroji Rt. Hon’ble

J. Chamberlain02-12-1896 N. A.

150 do do 09-12-1896 N. A.172 Dauglas Hall M. K. Gandhi 08-02-1897 N. A.178 Dadabhai Naoroji Madanjit V. 13-02-1897 N. A.200 David Hunter M. K. Gandhi 22-03-1897 N. A.241 do do 04-06-1897 N. A.280 Dadabhai Naoroji do 24-09-1897 S.N. 2546


282 Devi Dyal do 04-10-1897 N. A.285 Doughall Jno. do 18-10-1897 S.N. 2571291 do do 16-11-1897 S.N. 2594278 David Hunter do 01-10-1896 N. A.320 Doowad Suliman do 04-03-1897 N. A.325 do do 07-03-1897 N. A.329 David Hunter do 10-03-1897 N. A.362 Dougherty W.C do 25-03-1897 N. A.372 David Hunter do 31-03-1897 N. A.383 do do 06-04-1897 N. A.385 Dansi Thucas do 09-04-1897 N. A.457 Daw Louis B. M. K. Gandhi 29-06-1897 N. A.484 Dyer W. H. do 30-07-1897 N. A. 485 Dubons do 31 -07-1897 N. A.499 do do 14-08-1897 N. A.507 Dowad Suliman do 17-08-1897 N. A.513 Davchund do 27-08-1897 N. A.518 Dowad Suliman do 30-08-1897 N. A.521 Dyer W. H. do 03-09-1897 N. A.523 Dawood Suliman do 04-09-1897 N. A.586 Douglas J. do 30-10-1897 N. A.650 Dounbo M. H. do 07-12-1897 S.N. 2618679 David Hunter do 04-01-1898 N. A.688 do do 13-01-1898 N. A.55 Ebrahim Khan M. K. Gandhi 04-11-1895 N. A.60 do do 07-12-1895 N. A.157 Edwin Harrow do 25-01-1897 N. A.159 do do 29-01-1897 N. A. 160 do do 30-01-1897 N. A.161 do do 01-02-1897 N. A.343 Esoop Mamoojeo do 17-03-1897 N. A.36 Forbes C. E. M. K. Gandhi 18-09-1895 N. A.133 Fairfield E. Dadabhai

Naoroji16-05-1896 N. A.

APPENDIX V 297

135 do do 25-04-1896 N. A.143 do do 26-08-1896 N. A.285 Farman Robinson E.N. Mahomed 27-01-1897 N. A.463 Fraser John Gandhi M.K. 01-07-1897 N. A.469 Farman Robinson Dada

Abdoollah & Co.

12-07-1897 N. A.

473 do Gandhi M. K. 17-07-1897 N. A.491 Fraser John do 05-08-1897 N. A.525 Foss A. E. do 05-04-1897 N. A.532 do do 21-04-1897 N. A.537 do do 25-04-1897 N. A.541 do do 30-04-1897 N. A.654 do do 18-12-1897 N. A.670 do do 19-12-1897 N. A.677 do do 30-12-1897 N. A.678 do do 03-01-1898 N. A.681 do do 06-01-1898 N. A.686 do do 11-01-1898 N. A.691 do do 17-01-1898 N. A.695 do do 19-01-1898 N. A.699 Farman Robinson do 21-01-1898 N. A.714 E. Fraser do 10-02-1898 N. A.155 Gool M. H. M. K. Gandhi 23-01-1897 S.N. 1956156 M. K. Gandhi 25-01-1897 [S.N. 3640]162 Greene C. do 01-02-1897 S.N. 1979179 Gandhi M. K. Cameron

A. M. 15-02-1897 N. A.

181 Govindas L. M. K. Gandhi 15-02-1897 N. A.189 Greene C. do 06-03-1897 N. A.194 Gandhi M. K. Cameron

A. M. 16-03-1897 N. A.

195 Greene C. M. K. Gandhi 16-03-1897 S.N. 2113 248 Goodliffe E. J. do 24-06-1897 N. A.256 Gainford E. W. M. K. Gandhi 28-06-1897 S.N. 3686


288 Goodricke L. Cooke

do 29-01-1897 N. A.

290 do Hajee Mahomed

01-02-1897 N. A.

315 Goodliffe J. Tatham R. H. 01-03-1897 N. A.316 Goodricke

Laughton & CookeGandhi M. K. 01-03-1897 N. A.

349 Groosamy Naidoo do 19-03-1897 N. A.357 Goodricke L. &

Cookedo 24-03-1897 N. A.

368 do do 29-03-1897 N. A.370 Garlicke J. Goodricke H.

Cooke31-03-1897 N. A.

374 Goodricke L. & Cooke

Gandhi M. K. 01-04-1897 N. A.

375 do do 01-04-1897 N. A.376 Goodliffe & Co. J do 01-04-1897 N. A.398 Goodricke L. &

Cookedo 24-04-1897 N. A.

405 do do 05-05-1897 N. A.406 do do 05-05-1897 N. A.409 do do 07-05-1897 N. A.416 do do 29-05-1897 N. A.437 do do 31-05-1897 N. A.446 do do 12-06-1897 N. A.447 do do 12-06-1897 N. A.461 do do 30-06-1897 N. A.474 Gandhi M. K. Dyer W. H. 19-07-1897 N. A.482 Garlicke J. Goodricke

Laughton & Cooke

27-07-1897 N. A.

483 Goodricke Laughton & Cooke

Gandhi M. K. 28-07-1897 N. A.

496 Greenacre B. W. do 13-08-1897 N. A.500 Goodricke

Laughton & Cookedo 14-08-1897 N. A.

APPENDIX V 299


Gandhi M. K. 17-08-1897 N. A.

510 do do 24-08-1897 N. A.519 Graham & Co. do 01-09-1897 N. A.526 Goodricke L. &

Cookedo 05-09-1897 N. A.

527 Garlicke J Goodricke L. & Cooke

06-09-1897 N. A.


Gandhi M. K. 07-09-1897 N. A.

546 do do 04-10-1897 N. A.547 Garlicke J. Goodricke L. &

Cooke04-10-1897 N. A.


Gandhi M. K. 04-10-1897 N. A.

558 do do 06-10-1897 N. A.561 do do 07-10-1897 N. A.563 do do 08-10-1897 N. A.577 do do 20 -10-1897 N. A.591 do do 06-11-1897 N. A.592 do do 06-11-1897 N. A.599 do do 12-11-1897 N. A.610 do do 20-11-1897 N. A.624 do do 29-11-1897 N. A.629 do do 01-12-1897 N. A.657 do do 14-12-1897 N. A.694 Goodliffe J. do 19-01-1898 N. A.742 Goodricke L. &

Cookedo 07-03-1898 N. A.

84 Harry Escombe M. K. Gandhi 18-12-1895 S.N. 1694117 Holt Emat Abdul Karim

L.15-04-1896 N. A.

119 Hindson W. R. M. K. Gandhi 22-04-1896 S.N. 885123 do do 30-04-1896 N. A.124 Howse E. J do 30-04-1896 N. A.


129 Hime C. F. W do 19-05-1896 N. A.130 Howse E. J do 20-05-1896 N. A.131 Hunter W. W. do 22-05-1896 S.N. 985227 do do 03-05-1897 N. A.231 do do 08-05-1897 S.N. 3675331 Hooper J do 11-03-1897 N. A.371 do do 31-03-1897 N. A.380 Hoosen Ismail do 02-04-1897 N. A.415 Hoyer avent &

Kerneldo 11-05-1897 N. A.

428 do do 21-05-1897 N. A.429 do do 21-05-1897 N. A.438 … Geo M. do 31-05-1897 N. A.448 Hagmaw J. J. do 13-07-1897 N. A.505 Hershensohn J. do 17-08-1897 N. A.530 Henry Baynes do 16-09-1897 N. A.533 Hitchens E. L. do 23-09-1897 N. A.535 do do 23-09-1897 N. A.536 do do 23-09-1897 N. A.560 Hershensohn J. do 07-10-1897 N. A.609 Hugman J. J. do 20-11-1897 N. A.618 Hershensohn J. do 24-11-1897 N. A.663 Hugman J. J. do 16-12-1897 N. A.674 Hillier J. J. do 21-12-1897 N. A.680 do do 05-01-1898 N. A.704 Hajee J. H.

Rajankhando 26-01-1898 N. A.

719 Hull Hoffmeyor do 07-02-1898 N. A.730 do do 23-02-1898 N. A.738 Henry Holdgate do 03-03-1898 N. A.745 do do 11-03-1898 N. A.177 Irons W. I. M. K. Gandhi 12-02-1897 S.N. 2031233 do do 22-05-1897 S.N. 3678235 do do 00-05-1897 N. A.245 do do 19-05-1897 N. A.

APPENDIX V 301

267 Immigration Officer

do 17-08-1897 N. A.

279 do do 13-09-1897 N. A.295 do do 13-12-1897 N. A.369 Issa Hajee Sooman do 30-03-1897 N. A.373 Do do 01-04-1897 N. A.391 Do do 12-04-1897 N. A.394 do do 16-04-1897 N. A.441 Immigration

Officerdo 03-06-1897 N. A.

443 Issa Hajee Sooman do 06-06-1897 N. A.445 do do 10-06-1897 N. A.478 do do 23-07-1897 N. A.534 Immigration


576 Imm: Rest: Officer, Charlestown

do 13-10-1897 N. A.

601 do do 14-11-1897 N. A.605 do do 17-11-1897 N. A.652 Issa Hajee Sooman do 08-12-1897 N. A.664 Immigration


667 do do 18-12-1897 N. A.700 do do 22-01-1897 N. A.717 do do 12-02-1898 N. A.724 do do 18-02-1898 N. A.743 do do 07-02-1898 N. A.154 do A. M.K. Gandhi 21-01-1897 N. A.228 John Ramsay Miankhan 03-05-1897 N. A.255 Jameson P. M.K. Gandhi 20-06-1897 S.N. 3685261 Jinnah M. A. M.K. Gandhi 24-07-1897 N. A.399 Joosub M. H. do 24-04-1897 N. A.477 do do 23-07-1897 N. A.93 Khore K.V M.K. Gandhi 11-02-1896 N. A.


186 King & Sons do 27-02-1897 N. A.379 Knox A. G do 02-04-1897 N. A.14 Leuchars J. W. M.K. Gandhi 08-05-1895 S.N. 32182 Lillie A. D. do 13-12-1895 N. A.120 Leuchars J. W. do 27-04-1896 S.N. 897125d Laughton F. A. do 16-05-1896 S.N. 963127 do do 18-05-1896 S.N. 964128 do do 18-05-1896 S.N. 965138 do do 23-05-1896 N. A.145c Landrost Hassim Jooma 13-11-1896 N. A.203 Leuchars J. W. M. K. Gandhi 29-03-1897 S.N. 3660249 Labistour G. A.

De. R.do 24-06-1897 N. A.

271 Leuba H. do 28-08-1897 N. A.351 Labistour G. A.

De. R.do 22-03-1897 N. A.

358 Laughton F. A. do 24-03-1897 N. A.364 do do 27-03-1897 N. A.378 Labistour G. A.

De. R.do 02-04-

1897N. A.

420 Lennion do 13-05-1897 N. A.422 Laughton F. A. do 14-05-1897 N. A.440 Labistour G. A.

De. R.do 02-06-1897 N. A.

506 Laughton F. A. do 17-08-1897 N. A.508 Labistour G. A.

De. R.do 18-08-1897 N. A.

620 Laugton W do 26-11-1897 N. A.627 Labistour G. A.

De. R.do 30 -11-1897 N. A.

634 do do 01-12-1897 N. A.635 do do 01-12-1897 N. A.651 do do 08-12-1897 N. A.675 Livingston J. do 22-12-1897 N. A.689 do do 13-01-1897 N. A.

APPENDIX V 303

733 do do 01-03-1898 N. A.739 do do 03-03-1898 N. A.25 Mehta P. M. M.K. Gandhi 06-07-1895 N. A.37 Manager

A. B. C. Ltd.do 27-09-1895 N. A.

40 Madanjit V. do 05-10-1895 S.N. 359348 Manager

A. B. C. Ltd.do 05-11-1895 N. A.

50 Mathurai do 07-11-1895 S.N. 360290 Manager

A. B. C. Ltd.do 23-01-1896 N. A.

94 do do 12-02-1896 N. A.103 Martins Geo do 18-03-1896 S.N. 807104 Manager

A. B. C. Ltd. do 18-03-1896 N. A.

105 Martins Geo do 21-03-1896 S.N. 816 125B Murray J. K. do 11-05-1896 N. A.125C do do 11-05-1896 N. A.146 Miankhan Adamji Editor Natal

Advertiser02-10-1896 N. A.

147 Manager A.B.C. Ltd

M.K. Gandhi 28-10-1896 N. A.

170 Mams M.S. do 07-02-1897 N. A.182 Maharaj G. D. do 15-02-1897 N. A.188 do do 05-03-1897 S.N. 3651192 Malh Dada Abdoolla

& Co23-03-1897 N. A.

219 Manager A. B. C. Ltd

M. K. Gandhi 15-04-1897 N. A.

244 Maclean N. D. Dada Abdoolla & Co

18-06-1897 N. A.

250 Millar H. M. M. K. Gandhi 24-06-1897 N. A.276 Maghoo do 07-09-1897 S.N. 2521289 Madras Standard

Officedo 11-11-1897 N. A.

292 Marel R. do 30-11-1897 N. A.


279 Moothoolingum do 08-01-1897 N. A.296 Mc William do 10-02-1897 N. A.333 do do 12-03-1897 N. A.353 Mahomed do 23-03-1897 N. A.361 Manager

A. B. C. Ltddo 25-03-1897 N. A.

345 do do 17-04-1897 N. A.411 Millar J. L. do 07-05-1897 N. A.413 do do 10-05-1897 N. A.442 Munder Auersuald do 08-06-1897 N. A.455 Mathews Rgst do 29-06-1897 N. A.492 Manager

A. B. C. LtdGandhi M.K. 05-08-1897 N. A.

517 Morte Jooste do 31-08-1897 N. A.524 do do 04-09-1897 N. A.549 Madray Moodly do 04-10-1897 N. A.589 Millar J. L. do 03-11-1897 N. A.685 Millar A. D do 11-01-1898 N. A.687 Madras Standard

Officedo 12-01-1898 N. A.

696 Mauqaly do 20-01-1898 N. A.729 Millar & Kimber do 22-02-1898 N. A.731 Max Hilbert &

Co.do 25-02-1898 N. A.

732 do do 26-02-1898 N. A.736 Miller & Kimber do 02-03-1898 N. A.107 Nicholas W. H. Phillip 24-03-1896 N. A.109 Nicholas H. C. M. K. Gandhi 25-03-1896 N. A.141 Nymgwana S. do 01-06-1896 N. A.294 Naidoo L. M. do 06-12-1897 S.N. 2614470 Naidoo K. R.. do 12-07-1897 N. A.626 Naidoo R. S. do 29-11-1897 N. A.720 Narayanasay

Reddydo 16-02-1898 N. A.

327 Oliver J. Gandhi M. K. 09-03-1897 N. A.

APPENDIX V 305

495 Omar Meer do 12-08-1897 N. A.538 Omar Jamal do 27-09-1897 N. A.545 Omar Mer do 06-12-1897 N. A.695 O’. Hea do 17-01-1898 N. A.697 do do 20-01-1898 N. A.17 Principal Under

SecretaryM. K. Gandhi 23-05-1895 N. A.

26 do do 13-07-1895. S.N. 358630 do do 05-08-1895 S.N. 42732 do do 10-08-1895 S.N. 43133 do do 17-08-1895 N. A.34 do do 31-08-1895 N. A.41 Protector of

Immigrants do 17-10-1895 S.N. 3594

42 Pille J. C. do 23-10-1895 S.N. 359554 Principal Under

Secretary do 14-11-1895 N. A.

58a do do 04-12-1895 S.N. 360859 do do 06-12-1895 N. A.70 do do 09-12-1895 S.N. 361087 Protector of

Immigrantsdo 06-01-1896 N. A.

105 Principal Under Secretary

do 20-03-1896 S.N. 808

108 do do 25-03-1896 S.N. 815111 do do 28-03-1896 S.N. 828114 do do 01-04-1896 S.N. 836116 Pitcher W. E. do 11-04-1896 S.N. 862118 do do 15-04-1896 S.N. 871122 do do 29-04-1896 N. A.126 Principal Under

Secretarydo 16-05-1896 S.N. 962 &

982137 do do 22-05-1896 N. A.139 do do 29-05-1896 S.N. 990


144 do Abdoola Hajee Adam

20-08-1896 N. A.

148 do do 25-07-1896 N. A.152 Pillay C. W. M. K. Gandhi 18-01-1897 N. A.164 Pillay A. C. R. do 05-02-1897 N. A.184 do do 16-02-1897 S.N. 3648199 Principal Under

Secretarydo 18-03-1897 S.N. 3656

204 do do 29-03-1897 S.N. 3659206 do do 31-03-1897 S.N. 2186207 do do 03-04-1897 S.N. 3664210 do do 07-04-1897 S.N. 3668211 do do 07-04-1897 N. A.213 Principal Under

SecretaryM. K. Gandhi 08-04-1897 S.N. 3669

215 do A. C. Hajee Adam

13-04-1897 N. A.

216 do do 13-04-1897 N. A.220 do do 22-04-1897 N. A.222 do do 26-04-1897 N. A.239 do Plowman do 01-06-1897 N. A.240 P. U. S. do

C. Bird do 03-06-1897 N. A.

242 do Plowman do 05-06-1897 N. A.245 Palmer W. do 24-06-1897 N. A.252 Percy Binns do 25-06-1897 N. A.259 Principal Under

Secretarydo 09-07-1897 N. A.

262 do Parsee Rustomjee

29-07-1897 N. A.

272 do M. K. Gandhi 30-08-1897 S.N. 3690277 do do 08-08-1897 N. A.281 do do 30-08-1897 N. A.290 do do 16-11-1897 S.N. 2599297 Pillay C. M. do 16-12-1897 N. A.

APPENDIX V 307

280 Pitcher W. E. do 12-01-1897 N. A.281 do do 12-01-1897 N. A.282 do do 12-01-1897 N. A.283 do do 19-01-1897 N. A.287 do do 29-01-1897 N. A.291 do do 01-02-1897 N. A.304 do do 17-02-1897 N. A.305 do do 22-02-1897 N. A.308 do do 23-02-1897 N. A.10 Rooth & Wessels J. H. K.

Mahomed & Co.

24-04-1895 N. A.

21 Riuchards T. B. M. K. Gandhi 11-06-1895 S.N. 358539 Ramiah Naidoo do 04-10-1895 S.N. 359249 do do 07-11-1895 N. A.125A Rambaran do 11-05-1896 N. A.153 Robinson G. E. Abdul Carim 20-01-1896 N. A.158 do do 26-01-1897 N. A.168 Ray M. H. M.K. Gandhi 07-02-1897 S.N. 2008169 do do 09-02-1897 N. A.171 do do 08-02-1897 N. A.247 Rutherford E. do 23-06-1897 N. A.283 Ray M. H. do 01-10-1897 N. A.286 do do 27-10-1897 N. A.287 do do N. A.326 Russell Marrioth do 08-03-1897 N. A.355 Robert Accutt &

Sonsdo 23-03-1897 N. A.

356 Renard Robinson do 24-03-1897 N. A.397 Robert Accutt &

Sonsdo 22-04-1897 N. A.

403 do do 29-04-1897 N. A.418 do do 11-05-1897 N. A.423 Russell Marrioth do 17-05-1897 N. A.430 Raman do 22-05-1897 N. A.


449 Russell J. H do 16-06-1897 N. A.451 Renard Robinson do 18-06-1897 N. A.456 Ramasamy Chetty do 29-06-1897 N. A.458 Russell Marrioth do 30-06-1897 N. A.464 do do 02-07-1897 N. A.467 Richards S. A. do 09-07-1897 N. A.475 Robinson G. E. do 20-07-1897 N. A.503 Ravishankar

Shamjee do 17-08-1897 N. A.

514 Robinson Geo E do 21-08-1897 N. A.516 do do 31-08-1897 N. A.520 Renard do 02-09-1897 N. A.539 Russell J. H. do 28-09-1897 N. A.540 do do 30-09-1897 N. A. 544 Renard Robinson do 01-10-1897 N. A.550 Russell J. H M. K. Gandhi 05-10-1897 N. A.551 do do 05-10-1897 N. A.556 Registrar Supreme

Courtdo 06-10-1897 N. A.

568 Renaud Robinson do 12-10-1897 N. A.570 do do 13-10-1897 N. A.606 Robert accutt &

Sondo 17-11-1897 N. A.

608 do do 18-11-1897 N. A.611 do do 22-11-1897 N. A.615 Renand Robinson do 23-11-1897 N. A.623 Reddell R do 27-11-1897 N. A.631 Robert accutt &

Sondo 01-12-1897 N. A.

634 do do 06-12-1897 N. A.668 Renand Robinson Dada Abdoolla

& Co. 18-12-1897 N. A.

698 Robinson G. E. Gandhi M. K. 21-01-1898 N. A.721 Rate Collector

Verulamdo 09-02-1898 N. A.

APPENDIX V 309

713 Renaud Robinson do 09-02-1898 N. A.11 Soupen J. C. M. K. Gandhi 04-05-1895 S.N. 357835 Sankaran Nayar do 18-09-1895 S.N. 359138 Sedat A. M. do 27-09-1895 N. A.83 Shemla R. do 17-12-1895 S.N. 361286 Soupen J. C. do 17-12-1895 N. A.165 Stephans C. do 05-02-1897 N. A.180 Somasundrum R. do 15-02-1897 S.N. 3646238 Saunder J. M. do 28-05-1897 N. A.284 do do 01-10-1897 S.N. 2552344 Suram Maharaj do 18-03-1897 N. A.377 Solomon

Thompsondo 02-04-1897 N. A.

402 Stephenson H. do 27-04-1897 N. A.404 Solomon








573 Shepstone Wylie & Binns

do 16-10-1897 N. A.

637 do do 02-12-1897 N. A.647 D. Siffert do 06-12-1897 N. A.718 Shepstone W. &

Binnsdo 14-02-1898 N. A.

721 Subba Reddy do 17-02-1898 N. A.726 Shepstone Wylie

& Binnsdo 18-02-1898 N. A.

92 Town Clerk M. K. Gandhi 01-02-1896 S.N. 730


193 do Dada Abdoolla & Co.

15-03-1897 N. A.

198 do do 18-03-1897 N. A.218 do do 15-04-1897 N. A.221 do do 23-04-1897 N. A.226 do do 30-04-1897 N. A.230 do do 06-05-1897 N. A.232 Telly H. A. do 20-05-1897 S.N. 2349236 do do 24-05-1897 S.N. 2356243 Town Clerk do 18-06-1897 S.N. 2398270 do do 27-08-1897 N. A.289 Tollner W. Gandhi M. K. 29-01-1897 N. A.297 Trimble A. do 12-02-1897 N. A.306 do do 22-02-1897 N. A.310 do do 24-02-1897 N. A.311 Tatham R. H. do 24-02-1897 N. A.319 do do 04-03-1897 N. A.324 Trimble A do 06-03-1897 N. A.330 do do 10-03-1897 N. A.335 do do 12-03-1897 N. A.337 do do 12-03-1897 N. A.338 Tollner W. do 13-03-1897 N. A.340 Trimble A. do 15-03-1897 N. A.341 do do 17-03-1897 N. A.348 do do 19-03-1897 N. A.365 do do 27-03-1897 N. A.453 Tinling & Co do 25-06-1897 N. A.462 do do 01-07-1897 N. A.498 Town Clerk do 14-08-1897 N. A.709 Tatham R. H. do 28-01-1897 N. A.27 Visram Ebrahim

FuzebbhaiM. K. Gandhi 19-07-1895 S.N. 401

166 Vinden D. do 06-07-1897 N. A.167 Vinden D. do 06-02-1897 S.N. 2003185 do do 06-02-1897 N. A.

APPENDIX V 311

187 do do 04-03-1897 S.N. 3650190 do do 08-03-1897 S.N. 3652192 do do 15-03-1897 S.N. 3654197 do do 17-03-1897 N. A.201 do do 22-03-1897 N. A.214 do do 08-04-1897 S.N. 2245224 do do 27-04-1897 N. A.284 Vigni & Malleth G. L. Cooke 26-01-1897 N. A.300 Van Os A. B. Parsee

Rustomjee12-02-1897 N. A.

301 Veerapa Moodley Gandhi M. K. 15-02-1897 N. A.302 Van Os A. B. Gandhi M. K. 12-02-1897 N. A.321 do do 04-03-1897 N. A.389 do do 10-04-1897 N. A.396 do do 17-04-1897 N. A.

Watson H. G. M. K. Gandhi 05-03-1896 N. A.do do 07-03-1896 N. A.do do 21-03-1896 N. A.Whittaker R. L. do 30-05-1896 N. A.Weachey W. do 06-04-1897 N. A.Weinthal Leo do 23-06-1897 N. A.Whittaker R. L. do 03-02-1897 N. A.do do 12-02-1897 N. A.do do 12-02-1897 N. A.Wares do 19-05-1897 N. A.Watson W. do 19-05-1897 N. A.Wares do 25-05-1897 N. A.Watson W. do 30-06-1897 N. A.do do 15-07-1897 N. A.

384 Pitcher W. E. Gandhi M. K. 07-04-1897 N. A.387 do do 09-04-1897 N. A.392 do do 13-04-1897 N. A.393 do do 14-04-1897 N. A.400 do do 24-04-1897 N. A.


401 do do 26-04-1897 N. A.507 do do 05-05-1897 N. A.516 do do 11-05-1897 N. A.421 do do 14-05-1897 N. A.426 do do 19-05-1897 N. A.472 do do 14-07-1897 N. A.488 Palmer W. do 02-08-1897 N. A.497 Principal Under

Secretary do 13-08-1897 N. A.

501 Pitcher W. E. do 16-08-1897 N. A.502 do do 16-08-1897 N. A.509 do do 20-08-1897 N. A.542 do do 30-09-1897 N. A.543 Post Master do 01-10-1897 N. A.552 Pitcher W. E. do 05-10-1897 N. A.553 do do 05-10-1897 N. A.554 do do 06-10-1897 N. A.555 do do 06-10-1897 N. A.557 do do 06-10-1897 N. A.559 do do 07-10-1897 N. A.562 do do 08-10-1897 N. A.566 do do 11-10-1897 N. A.567 do do 11-10-1897 N. A.571 do do 13-10-1897 N. A.572 do do 14-10-1897 N. A.574 do do 16-10-1897 N. A.575 do do 19-10-1897 N. A.578 Post Master do 21-10-1897 N. A.579 Pitcher W. E. do 22-10-1897 N. A.580 do do 23-10-1897 N. A.581 Post Master do 25-10-1897 N. A.584 Pitcher W. E. M. K. Gandhi 29-10-1897 N. A.588 do do 02-11-1897 N. A.590 do do 04-11-1897 N. A.

APPENDIX V 313

595 do do 09-11-1897 N. A.596 do do 11-11-1897 N. A.597 do do 13-11-1897 S.N. 2589598 do do 13-11-1897 N. A.507 do do 17-11-1897 N. A.612 do do 22-11-1897 N. A.613 Palmer W. do 22-11-1897 N. A.614 Post Master

General Z. A. R.do 22-11-1897 N. A.

617 Pitcher W. E. do 24-11-1897 N. A.619 do do 24-11-1897 N. A.621 do do 26-11-1897 N. A.625 do do 29-11-1897 S.N. 3693628 do do 30-11-1897 S.N. 2609632 do do 01-12-1897 S.N. 2612633 do do 01-12-1897 N. A.636 do do 02-12-1897 N. A.638 do do 02-12-1897 N. A.641 do do 03-12-1897 N. A.642 do do 03-12-1897 N. A.648 do do 06-12-1897 N. A.649 Post Master

General P.M.B.do 07-12-1897 N. A.

654 Pitcher W. E. do 10-12-1897 S.N. 3695655 do do 13-12-1897 N. A.658 do do 14-12-1897 N. A.660 do do 16-12-1897 N. A.661 do do 16-12-1897 N. A.662 do do 16-12-1897 N. A.671 do do 20-12-1897 S.N. 3696672 do do 21-12-1897 N. A.684 do do 10-01-1898 N. A.690 do do 14-01-1898 N. A.693 Pitcher W. E. Gandhi M. K. 19-01-1898 N. A.701 do do 24-01-1898 N. A.


702 do do 25-01-1898 N. A.703 do do 26-01-1898 N. A.705 do do 26-01-1898 N. A.706 do do 27-01-1898 N. A.707 do do 27-01-1898 N. A.

do do 28-01-1898 N. A.710 do do 31-01-1898 N. A.712 do do 01-02-1898 N. A.714 do do 03-02-1898 N. A.715 do do 03-02-1898 N. A.718 do do 04-02-1898 N. A.720 do do 08-02-1898 N. A.715 do do 01-02-1898 N. A.719 do do 14-02-1898 N. A.722 do do 17-02-1898 N. A.723 do do 17-02-1898 N. A.725 do do 19-02-1898 N. A.728 do do 22-02-1898 N. A.734 do do 01-03-1898 N. A.735 do do 02-03-1898 N. A.737 do do 03-03-1898 N. A.741 do do 05-03-1898 N. A.744 do do 08-03-1898 N. A.

S.N. 2711

APPENDIX VI 315

appEndix vi

DEED OF SALE BY DHARAMSEY PRAGJEE

Deed of Sale this day made and entered into between Changados, hereinafter styled the Seller, of the one part and Dharmsey Pragjee1 hereinafter styled the purchaser of the other part, Witnesseth:

That the Seller hereby sells to the Purchaser who hereby buys, certain and all buildings, houses and erections so ever presently on stands 13-14 situate in the Coolie Location at Barberton in the South African Republic, the said houses, buildings and executions being the property of the Seller.

That as purchase consideration the purchaser shall pay or cause to be paid to the Seller the sum of £ 61 (Sixty One Pound Sterling) on this the first day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and ninety nine.

That the seller shall give the purchaser peaceable possession of all houses, buildings and executions hereby sold immediately on the execution of these presents.

For the due of faithful performance of all the conditions set forth herein the parties hereto bind their persons and property according to law.

Thus done and passed at Barberton aforesaid on this the first day of June in the year A. D. 1899.

As Witnesses ChangadosStephen King his [thumb’s] markS. E. King Dharmsey Pragjee

S.N. 3319B

1 As in the source.


appEndix vii

LETTER FROM BRITISH CONSULATE

cErtificatE of rEGistration of a british subjEct

This is to certify that Daramsy Pragjee1 a native of Jamnagar, India is registered in the Books of this Consulate as a British Subject under number 769 on the 14th day of November of 1899.

Sd. vicE

h. b. m. consulatE

(british consular’s stamp)

… …2

Signature of Bearer dharmsEy praGjEE

ધરમશી પરાગજી3

S.N. 3319A

appEndix viii

LETTER FROM M. K. GANDHI 4

14, mErcury lanE, durban,

April 11, 1900DEAR …

I enclose herewith a copy of the monthly report of the Indian Hospital.

It was as you know established nearly 18 months ago5. The need is real, as will appear from the report. All sections of the

1 As in the source.2 Not deciphered.3 Also signed in Gujarati.4 Refer, “Appeal for funds-1”, CWMG Vol. 3, pp. 172-173.5 The hospital was opened on 14-9-1898.

APPENDIX VIII 317

Indian community have received help from the hospital. It is a boon to the poor.

It could not have been opened but for the subscriptions from the Durban Indians, who have subscribed nearly £ 84, and for the services rendered by Dr. Booth and Dr. Lilian Robinson, now replaced owing to her illness by Dr. Clara Williams.

As Durban has been bearing the brunt of almost all the subscriptions, it may not be considered out of place to invite the Indians from the other parts of the Colony to enjoy the privilege of succouring the poor in the best possible manner, viz., alleviating bodily sufferings.

At least £ 80 are needed to enable the hospital to continue for 2 years and to pay the arrear rent. But a much larger sum is necessary if the hospital is to be continued, as I venture to think it must be, seeing that, during its existence, it has answered a hardfelt need.

I fully trust that you will give your share and induce others to do likewise.

Receipts will be fully acknowledged and accounts furnished.I am,

Yours truly, m. k. Gandhi

S.N. 3725


INDEX

adamji, miankhan, 108, 282, 301, 303

adams, j. m., 127, 145, 290ahmEd, cassam sulEiman, 254aiyar, p. s., 227alExandEr, janE, 116 fn, 117,

288alExandEr, rich c., 116, 117,

269, 287, 288, 289ally, haji ojEr, 38, 41, 158, 159,

165, 166, 290, 310arnold-forstEr, h. o., 22, 52,

61, 290ashmEad-bartlEtt, Ellis, 52askEw, oswald jamEs, 74, 76,

77, 84, 85, 95 fn, 114, 115, 290, 291

bakEr, albErt wEir, 53, 59, 62, 71, 72, 103 fn, 291

balasundaram, 74 fnbalE, hEnry, 42, 256bhayat, karim, 280bhownaGGrEE, manchErjEE

mErwanjEE, 40, 52, 182, 183, 191, 216 fn, 292

binns, hEnry, 224bird, christophEr john, 4, 6, 7,

9, 11, 31, 43, 44, 64, 66, 88, 90, 91, 92, 93, 103, 107, 108, 149, 150, 152, 153, 155, 167, 172, 174, 176, 177, 180, 187, 200, 201, 204, 205, 206, 207, 208, 209, 223, 224, 225, 235, 237, 238, 239,

244, 260, 273, 274, 275, 278, 305, 306, 312

bonnErjEE, womEsh chundEr, 53

booth, dr., 250, 251, 317braun, c. E., 171, 291, 292brownman, G. s., 166, 168buffEy, a., 245, 247bullEy, r. E., 252camEron, alEx m., 135, 136, 146,

147, 157, 158, 172, 173, 176, 177, 293, 294, 295, 297

campbEll, a. m., 8, 9, 28, 151, 293, 294

camroodEEn, mahomEd cassim, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 25, 26, 33, 40, 41, 158, 293

canninGs, t. j., 75, 310chambErlain, josEph, 44 fn, 60,

101, 102, 106, 109, 110 fn, 119, 120, 133, 138, 156, 160, 165, 187 fn, 245, 295

clarEncE, pErcy f., 262, 273coakEs, p. E., 14, 292, 294cookE, conrad b., 32, 33crown, dansiE, 293dada abdulla, 42 fn, 53 fn,

103 fn, 119dada, haji habib haji, 39 fndada, haji mahomEd haji, 9dansiE, crown, 92dauGhErty, w. E., 224davis, mary G., 228, 229dayal, dEvi, 184, 296

Index 319

dEEn maharaj, G., 144dhanjEE, 253dhruva, harilal h., 3dombo, m. h., 192, 193, 296donE, j. s., 248, 249douGall, john, 181, 182, 186,

296douGlastall, w., 94EffEndi, osman ahmEd, 196,

197, 198, 199EscombE, harry, 42 fn, 64 fn,

68, 178, 179, 231, 299forstEr, s. E., 10, 11GabriEl, bryan, 62, 63, 65, 66,

291Gainsford, E. w., 170Gandhi, kasturba, 129Gandhi, mohandas karam-

chand, See all letterS

Gandhi, ramdas, 265Gani, abdool, 22, 24, 40, 59,

60, 61Goldsmid, l. lionEl, 196, 197,

198, 199GoolEy, william, 169, 196, 234,

310Gool, joosub m. h., 118, 120,

198, 301Goss, w. h. d., 256GrEEnacrE, bEnjamin, 12, 248,

298GrEEnE, conynGham, 128, 149GrEEnE, Edward mackEnziE, 42hammonds, a. E., 73harishankEr, n., 250harrow, Edwin, 122, 125harvEy, c. p., 199hEndErson, w. n., 211

hErbErt, G. f., 219, 222hindson, william r., 97, 299hitchins, mr., 58, 62hitchins, mrs., 56, 57housE, G. j., 100, 105humE, allan octavian, 26 fn,

173 fnhuntEr, d. w., 67huntEr, j. m., 94, 168, 263, 266huntEr, p. david, 202huntEr, william wilson, 33 fn,

52, 101, 102, 107, 138, 157, 209, 210, 300

hutchinson, hEEly, 27imamdin, 245irons, w. j., 132, 133, 139, 143,

160, 163, 300jamEson, a., 169, 170jinnah, m. a., 301john, harry, 249jonEs, j., 12, 13joshua, sydnEy E., 243khan, Ebrahim, 60khan, rahim karim, 202, 203,

247, 259kharE, k. v., 78, 79kista, 262kitchin, hErbErt, 264, 267, 268,

269labistour, c. a. dE. r., 218labistour, G. a. dE. r., 182, 228,

231, 302lauGhton, frEdErick auGustus,

103, 104, 178, 179, 205, 206, 215, 228, 239, 240, 248, 255, 261, 270, 272, 298, 299, 302

lEitnEr, G. w., 3


lEitnEr, l., 3lEuchars, m., 19, 98, 151, 302lEwis, a. d., 113lyon, jErEmiah, 213madurai, 55, 58, 61, 62maGhoo, 175, 303mard, r., 189, 190martin, GEorGE, 86, 87, 90mason, h. l., 71mEhta, pranjivan j., 280, 303moodlEy, s. dorasamy, 250moonsamy, auGustinE, 259morcom, w. b., 212, 213mukhtyar, chhaGanlal

motiram, 229, 230naidoo, l. m., 192, 304naidoo, v. ramiah, 46, 307nair, chEttur sankaran, 45,

309naoroji, dadabhai, 40, 52, 63,

66, 106 fn, 109, 110, 133, 134, 178, 187, 188, 210, 216, 233, 234, 291, 295, 296, 297

nazar, mansukhlal hiralal, 157, 183, 191, 264 fn, 265, 269

nicholls, n. cathcart, 87, 88nidha, 74 fn, 76, 87, 88, 92,

95, 191nilkinson, GilbErt, 257o’hEa, p., 214, 215padayachi, runGasamy, 66palmEr, william, 243, 244, 247,

306, 312, 313parikh, jEthalal m., 278, 279parsi, dorabji bhicaji, 112, 113parsi, rustomjEE, 108, 112,

116 fn, 283, 287, 291,

306, 311pathEr, r. appasamy, 75pathEr, r. k., 281p. davis & sons, 14pEtit, dinshaw, 113, 184pillai, Govindan para-

maswaran, 225pillay, a. c. r., 137, 306pillay, a. s. dorasamy, 86, 295pillay, c. m., 195, 307pillay, doroosamy, 39pillE, j. c., 49, 50, 305pitchEr, william Edward, 95,

96, 99, 184, 185, 188, 189, 190, 191, 194, 211, 305, 307, 312, 313, 314

praGjEE, dharamsEy, 315, 316pricE, c. h., 15rahaman, abdoor, 51rahman, abdoor, 20, 21, 23, 24,

25, 27ranadE, mahadEv Govind, 164ray, m., 130, 131, 307rEnaud, EuGEnE, 16, 217richards, h. b., 26, 27ripon, lord, 11 fn, 26ritch, l. w., 268robErts, f. w., 242robErts, p. E., 212robinson, hErculEs, 25, 27ryly, Edward, 5sammy, v. r., 46, 54saundErs, j. m., 180, 181shEmEld, mrs., 67 fn, 68shEmEld, robErt, 67, 68, 309simon, anthony a., 156, 157, 290smith, m. h., 220somasundaram, r., 134, 135, 309

Index 321

sorabji, cornElia, 143soupEn, j. c., 17, 309summErs, j., 50, 51, 54syEd, camroodEEn m., 15symons, john p., 10talEyarkhan, f. s., 135tilak, bal GanGadhar, 79vindEn, david, 128, 129, 137,

138, 143, 144, 145, 147, 148, 156, 311

visram, fazul, 31, 32, 311vyavaharik, madanjit, 47, 133,

134, 295, 303walsh, christophEr, 69, 81, 98,

293watson, h. G., 82, 83, 89watts, thomas h., 289wEbb, alfrEd, 29wEddErburn, william, 26, 40,

52, 106 fn, 187 fnwElsh, h., 37wilcox, w. c., 69, 70woolGar, j. h., 242


LIST OF S.N. NUMBERS

s.n. 103 lEttEr from c. bird (29-6-1894) 4 104 lEttEr from c. bird (2-7-1894) 6 105 lEttEr from c. bird (3-7-1894) 7 112 lEttEr from a. m. campbEll (4-7-1894) 8 113 lEttEr from c. bird (5-7-1894) 9 125 lEttEr from john p. symons (6-7-1894) 10 127 answErs to a quEstionnairE from Edward

ryly (aftEr 1-7-1894) 5 131 lEttEr from s. E. forstEr (11-7-1894) 10 137 lEttEr from c. bird (2-8-1894) 11 183 lEttEr from bEnjamin GrEEnacrE (28-11-1894) 12 186 lEttEr from j. jonEs (29-11-1894) 12 187 lEttEr from j. jonEs (29-11-1894) 13 188 lEttEr from p. davis & sons (29-11-1894) 14 192 lEttEr from c. h. pricE (6-12-1894) 15 199 lEttEr from camroodEEn m. syEd (15-12-1894) 15 205 lEttEr from EuGEnE rEnaud (27-12-1894) 16 233 lEttEr from thE officE of thE natal

GovErnor (28-1-1895) 16 296 fraGmEnt of a lEttEr (17-4-1895) 17 321 lEttEr from m. lEuchars (8-5-1895) 19 379 lEttEr from thE indian committEE

(23-6-1895) 27 383 lEttEr from a. m. campbEll (26-6-1895) 28 386 lEttEr from alfrEd wEbb (27-6-1895) 29 392 lEttEr from natal GovErnmEnt railways

(1-7-1895) 29 401 lEttEr from fazulbhai visram (19-7-1895) 31 405 lEttEr from conrad b. cookE (22-7-1895) 32 427 lEttEr from c. bird (5-8-1895) 43 428 pp. 1-4 imaGeS PaSted 34-37 428 p. 5 lEttEr from h. wElsh (29-7-1895) 37 428 p. 6 a lEttEr (29-7-1895) 38 428 pp. 7-8 lEttEr from balE and GrEEnE (5-8-1895) 42 431 lEttEr from c. bird (10-8-1895) 44 597 lEttEr from j. summErs (25-10-1895) 50 613 lEttEr from j. summErs (4-11-1895) 54 647 fraGmEnt of a lEttEr from bakEr and

lindsay (26-11-1895) 62

List of S.N. Numbers 323

s.n. 668 lEttEr from thE officE of thE attornEy GEnEral (6-12-1895) 64

684 lEttEr from a. d. lEwis (13-12-1896) 113 694 lEttEr from harry EscombE (18-12-1895) 68 695 lEttEr from christophEr walsh (18-12-1895) 69 707 lEttEr from w. c. wilcox (27-12-1895) 69 729 lEttEr from h. l. mason (13-1-1896) 71 730 lEttEr from thE officE of thE town clErk

(1-2-1896) 75 731 lEttEr from o. j. askEw (1-2-1896) 76 736 lEttEr from o. j. askEw (6-2-1896) 77 739 lEttEr from hEadmastEr of boys’ modEl

primary school, durban (7-2-1896) 78 743 lEttEr from k. v. kharE (11-2-1896) 78 744 lEttEr from hEadmastEr of boys’ modEl

primary school (11-2-1896) 79 749 lEttEr from thE natal GovErnmEnt railways

(20-2-1896) 80 756 lEttEr from christophEr walsh (27-2-1896) 81 773 lEttEr from actinG sEcrEtary for zululand

(5-3-1896) 82 785 lEttEr from actinG sEcrEtary for zululand

(7-3-1896) 83 795 lEttEr from o. j. askEw (11-3-1896) 84 803 lEttEr from o. j. askEw (13-3-1896) 85 804 lEttEr from a. s. dorasamy pillay (13-3-1896) 86 807 lEttEr from GEorGE martin (18-3-1896) 86 808 lEttEr from c. bird (20-3-1896) 88 813 lEttEr from actinG sEcrEtary for zululand

(21-3-1896) 89 815 lEttEr from c. bird (25-3-1896) 90 816 lEttEr from GEorGE martin (21-3-1896) 90 828 lEttEr from c. bird (28-3-1896) 91 831 lEttEr from crown dansiE (30-3-1896) 92 836 lEttEr from c. bird (1-4-1896) 92 837 lEttEr from officE of ‘india’ (1-4-1896) 93 846 lEttEr from natal GovErnmEnt railways

(7-4-1896) 94 851 lEttEr from o. j. askEw (9-4-1896) 95 862 lEttEr from william Edward pitchEr

(11-4-1896) 95 871 lEttEr from william Edward pitchEr

(15-4-1896) 96


s.n. 885 lEttEr from william r. hindson (22-4-1896) 97 897 lEttEr from m. lEuchars (27-4-1896) 98 898 lEttEr from christophEr walsh (28-4-1896) 98 904 lEttEr from william Edward pitchEr

(29-4-1896) 99 908 lEttEr from G. j. housE (30-4-1896) 100 942 lEttEr from ministEr of lands and works

natal (12-5-1896) 101 948 lEttEr from william wilson huntEr

(13-5-1896) 101 962 lEttEr from c. bird (16-5-1896) 103 963 lEttEr from f. a. lauGhton (16-5-1896) 103 964 lEttEr from f. a. lauGhton (18-5-1896) 104 965 lEttEr from f. a. lauGhton (18-5-1896) 104 970 lEttEr from G. j. housE (20-5-1896) 105 973 lEttEr from dadabhai naoroji (21-5-1896) 106 982 lEttEr from c. bird (16-5-1896) 103 985 lEttEr from william wilson huntEr

(22-5-1896) 107 990 lEttEr from c. bird (29-5-1896) 107 994 lEttEr from bakEr and lindsay (20-1-1896) 71 1007 tElEGram from adamji and rustomji

(5-6-1896) 108 1010 lEttEr from c. bird (16-6-1896) 108 1043 lEttEr from dadabhai naoroji (13-8-1896) 109 1070 lEttEr from dadabhai naoroji (27-8-1896) 110 1216 a lEttEr (27-10-1896) 111 1938 lEttEr from rich c. alExandEr (22-1-1897) 116 1939 lEttEr from janE alExandEr (22-1-1897) 117 1956 lEttEr from joosub m. h. Gool (23-1-1897) 118 1979 lEttEr from conynGham GrEEnE (1-2-1897) 128 2003 lEttEr from david vindEn (6-2-1897) 128 2008 lEttEr from m. ray (7-2-1897) 130 2009 a lEttEr (7-2-1897) 132 2031 lEttEr from w. j. irons (12-2-1897) 132 2053 lEttEr from dadabhai naoroji (13-2-1897) 133 2061 lEttEr from w. j. irons (26-2-1897) 139 2074 d lEttEr from Edwin harrow (25-1-1897) 122 2074 c lEttEr from william wilson huntEr

(22-2-1897) 138 2113 lEttEr from conynGham GrEEnE (16-3-1897) 149 2182 lEttEr from janE alExandEr (30-3-1897) 288 2186 lEttEr from c. bird (31-3-1897) 152


s.n. 2245 lEttEr from david vindEn (8-4-1897) 156 2316 lEttEr from anthony a. simon (6-5-1897) 156 2349 lEttEr from haji ojEr ally (20-5-1897) 158 2356 fraGmEnt of a lEttEr from haji ojEr ally

(24-5-1897) 165 2372 lEttEr from c. bird (3-6-1897) 167 2373 lEttEr from natal GovErnmEnt railways

(4-6-1897) 167 2398 lEttEr from william GoolEy, town clErk

(18-6-1897) 169 2506 a lEttEr from a. m. camEron (26-8-1897) 172 2521 lEttEr from maGhoo indian (7-9-1897) 175 2523 lEttEr from c. bird (8-9-1897) 176 2524 lEttEr from a. m. camEron (9-9-1897) 176 2533 lEttEr from c. bird (18-9-1897) 177 2545 lEttEr from f. a. lauGhton (24-9-1897) 178 2546 lEttEr from dadabhai naoroji (24-9-1897) 178 2548 lEttEr from f. a. lauGhton (27-9-1897) 179 2549 lEttEr from harry EscombE (28-9-1897) 179 2556 lEttEr from j. m. saundErs (1-10-1897) 180 2571 lEttEr from john douGall (18-10-1897) 181 2580 lEttEr from m. m. bhownaGGrEE (29-10-1897) 182 2584 lEttEr from dEvi dayal (4-11-1897) 184 2589 lEttEr from william Edward pitchEr

(13-11-1897) 185 2594 lEttEr from john douGall (16-11-1897) 186 2596 lEttEr from dadabhai naoroji (18-11-1897) 187 2599 lEttEr from c. bird, (16-11-1897) 187 2605 lEttEr from william Edward pitchEr



(1-12-1897) 190 2613 lEttEr from m. m. bhownaGGrEE (2-12-1897) 191 2614 lEttEr from l. m. naidoo (6-12-1897) 192 2618 lEttEr from m. h. dombo (7-12-1897) 192 2711 loG book (28-1-1895 to 11-3-1898) 290 2717 lEttEr from c. p. harvEy (14-4-1898) 199 2745 lEttEr from p. david huntEr (6-6-1898) 202 2746 lEttEr from c. bird (6-6-1898) 201 2758 lEttEr from rahim k. khan (18-6-1898) 202 2759 lEttEr from town clErk (18-6-1898) 204


s.n. 2760 lEttEr from c. bird (22-6-1898) 204 2764 lEttEr from f. a. lauGhton (24-6-1898) 205 2772 lEttEr from c. bird (20-7-1898) 208 2774 lEttEr from c. bird (29-7-1898) 208 2806 lEttEr from william wilson huntEr

(12-9-1898) 209 2811 lEttEr from dadabhai naoroji (16-9-1898) 210 2820 lEttEr from w. n. hEndErson (10-10-1898) 211 2846 lEttEr from william Edward pitchEr

(4-11-1898) 211 2884 lEttEr from p. E. robErts (20-12-1898) 212 2891 lEttEr from w. b. morcom (23-12-1898) 212 2892 lEttEr from jErEmiah lyon (23-12-1898) 213 2893 & 2898 lEttEr from f. a. lauGhton (24-12-1898) 215 2899 lEttEr from p. o’hEa (23-12-1898) 214 2900 lEttEr from rEnaud & robinson (31-12-1898) 217 2908 & 2901 lEttEr from c. a. dE. r. labistour (4-1-1899) 218 2911 lEttEr from G. f. hErbErt (6-1-1899) 219 2921-2922 lEttEr from m. h. smith (10-1-1899) 220 2923 lEttEr from Editor, kathiawar timEs

(11-1-1899) 221 2938 lEttEr from G. f. hErbErt (17-1-1899) 222 2966 lEttEr from c. bird (7-2-1899) 223 2969 lEttEr from inspEctor of nuisancEs’ officE

(9-2-1899) 224 2974 lEttEr from c. bird (11-2-1899) 224 3049 lEttEr from G. p. pillai (2-3-1899) 225 3076 lEttEr from jErmiah lyon & co. (6-3-1899) 226 3077 lEttEr from p. s. aiyar (7-3-1899) 227 3135 lEttEr from G. a. dE roquEfEuil labistour

(16-3-1899) 228 3155 lEttEr from chhaGanlal motiram mukhtyar

(23-3-1899) 229 3159 lEttEr from jErEmiah lyon & co.

(24-3-1899) 230 3165 lEttEr from G. a. dE roquEfEuil labistour

(31-3-1899) 231 3170 lEttEr from hathorn & co. (6-4-1899) 232 3172 lEttEr from hathorn & co. (10-4-1899) 233 3175 lEttEr from dadabhai naoroji (14-4-1899) 233 3180 lEttEr from william GoolEy, town officE

(17-4-1899) 234 3193 lEttEr from c. bird (20-5-1899) 235


s.n. 3196 lEttEr from c. bird (29-5-1899) 235 3204 lEttEr from c. bird (13-6-1899) 238 3212 lEttEr from c. bird (30-6-1899) 239 3260 lEttEr from f. a. lauGhton (4-8-1899) 239 3262 lEttEr from f. a. lauGhton (7-8-1899) 240 3289 tElEGram from colonial sEcrEtary

(9-9-1899) 241 3290 tElEGram from colonial sEcrEtary

(11-9-1899) 241 3298 lEttEr from j. h. woolGar and

f. w. robErts (4-10-1899) 242 3300 lEttEr from sydnEy E. joshua and

w. palmEr (18-10-1899) 243 3303 lEttEr from c. bird (23-10-1899) 244 3319 lEttEr from imamdin (9-11-1899) 245 3319 b dEEd of salE by dharamsEy praGjEE

(1-6-1899) 315 3319 a lEttEr from british consulatE (14-11-1899) 316 3320 lEttEr from a. buffEy (13-11-1899) 245 3322 lEttEr from w. palmEr (13-11-1899) 247 3334 lEttEr from j. s. donE (4-12-1899) 248 3335 lEttEr from harry john (4-12-1899) 249 3337 lEttEr from s. dorasamy moodlEy

(7-12-1899) 250 3360 lEttEr from district EnGinEEr,

p. w. dEpartmEnt (29-12-1899) 251 3367 lEttEr from “advErtisEr” (22-1-1900) 253 3372 a lEttEr from lancElot parkEr booth

(bEforE 11-12-1899) 251 3374 tElEGram from dhanjEE (5-2-1900) 253 3381 a lEttEr from cassam sulEiman ahmEd

(16-2-1900) 254 3387 tElEGram from supErintEndEnt, indian

ambulancE corps (21-2-1900) 254 3388 lEttEr from f. a. lauGhton (21-2-1900) 255 3389 lEttEr from manaGEr, african bankinG

corporation limitEd (22-2-1900) 255 3392 lEttEr from hEnry balE (24-2-1900) 256 3393 lEttEr from w. h. d. Goss (27-2-1900) 256 3401 tElEGram from rahim k. khan (5-3-1900) 259 3405 lEttEr from c. bird (12-3-1900) 260 3413 lEttEr from f. a. lauGhton (22-3-1900) 261 3415 tElEGram from kista (24-3-1900) 262


s.n. 3441 lEttEr from pErcy f. clarEncE (17-4-1900) 262 3443 lEttEr from thE natal GovErnmEnt

railways (19-4-1900) 263 3444 lEttEr from hErbErt kitchin (20-4-1900) 264 3446 lEttEr from thE natal GovErnmEnt

railways (23-4-1900) 266 3447 lEttEr from hErbErt kitchin (23-4-1900) 267 3449 lEttEr from hErbErt kitchin (6-5-1900) 269 3450 lEttEr from f. a. lauGhton (14-5-1900) 270 3451 lEttEr from pErcy f. clarEncE (20-5-1900) 273 3464 lEttEr from chiEf EnGinEEr, p. w. d.

(9-7-1900) 275 3469 lEttEr from thE assistant protEctor of

indian immiGrants (13-7-1900) 276 3470 lEttEr from thE protEctor of indian

immiGrants (23-7-1900) 277 3512 lEttEr from jEthalal m. parikh (8-10-1900) 278 3537 lEttEr from karim bhayat (23-11-1900) 280 3552 lEttEr from r. k. pathEr (10-12-1900) 281 3578 lEttEr from j. c. soupEn (4-5-1895) 17 3579 lEttEr from mahomEd cassim camroodEEn

(8-5-1895) 18 3580 lEttEr from mahomEd cassim camroodEEn

& co. (15-5-1895) 20 3581 lEttEr from mahomEd cassim camroodEEn




& co. (2-6-1895) 25 3585 lEttEr from h. b. richards (11-6-1895) 26 3586 lEttEr from c. bird, principal undEr

sEcrEtary (13-7-1895) 31 3587 lEttEr from mahomEd cassim camroodEEn

(29-7-1895) 33 3588 lEttEr from haji ojEr ally (2-8-1895) 38 3591 lEttEr from sankaran nair (18-9-1895) 45 3592 lEttEr from v. ramiah naidoo (4-10-1895) 46 3593 lEttEr from madanjit vyavaharik (5-10-1895) 47 3594 lEttEr from thE protEctor of immiGrants

(17-10-1895) 48


s.n. 3595 lEttEr from j. c. pillE (23-10-1895) 49 3596 lEttEr from abdoor rahaman (27-10-1895) 51 3597 lEttEr from british indian dEfEncE

committEE (2-11-1895) 52 3598 tElEGram from british indian dEfEncE

committEE (22-10-1895) 49 3599 lEttEr from bakErand lindsay (4-11-1895) 53 3601 lEttEr from v. r. sammy (7-11-1895) 54 3602 lEttEr from madurai (7-11-1895) 55 3602 lEttEr from madurai (11-11-1895) 58 3602 lEttEr from madurai (20-11-1895) 61 3603 lEttEr from bryan GabriEl (november, 1895) 62 3604 lEttEr from bakEr and lindsay (11-11-1895) 59 3605 lEttEr from abdool Gani (13-11-1895) 59 3606 lEttEr from Ebrahim khan (14-11-1895) 60 3607 lEttEr from thE indian committEE

(19-11-1895) 61 3608 lEttEr from c. bird (4-12-1895) 64 3609 lEttEr from bryan GabriEl (6-12-1895) 65 3610 lEttEr from c. bird (9-12-1895) 66 3611 lEttEr from natal GovErnmEnt railways

(10-12-1895) 67 3612 lEttEr from robErt shEmEld (17-12-1895) 67 3616 list of mEmbErs of thE natal indian

conGrEss (1895) 282 3618 lEttEr from natal GovErnmEnt railways

(22-1-1896) 73 3619 lEttEr from o. j. askEw (24-1-1896) 74 3622 lEttEr from n. cathcart nicholls (19-3-1896) 87 3624 lEttEr from william wilson huntEr

(13-5-1896) 101 3637 lEttEr from parsEE dorabji bhicaji

(25-11-1896) 112 3638 lEttEr from o. j. askEw (8-1-1897) 114 3640 a lEttEr (25-1-1897) 121 3641 a lEttEr (29-1-1897) 126 3642 lEttEr from j. m. adams (1-2-1897) 127 3646 lEttEr from r. somasundaram (15-2-1897) 134 3647 lEttEr from a. m. camEron (16-2-1897) 135 3648 lEttEr from a. c. r. pillay (16-2-1897) 137 3649 lEttEr from david vindEn (16-2-1897) 137 3650 lEttEr from david vindEn (4-3-1897) 143 3651 lEttEr from G. dEEn maharaj (5-3-1897) 144


s.n. 3652 lEttEr from david vindEn (8-3-1897) 145 3653 lEttEr from a. m. camEron (8-3-1897) 146 3654 lEttEr from david vindEn (15-3-1897) 147 3656 lEttEr from c. bird (18-3-1897) 149 3659 lEttEr from c. bird (29-3-1897) 150 3660 lEttEr from m. lEuchars (29-3-1897) 151 3661 lEttEr from dEpartmEnt of policE

(30-3-1897) 289 3662 lEttEr from rich c. alExandEr (30-3-1897) 287 3663 lEttEr from a. m. campbEll (30-3-1897) 151 3664 lEttEr from c. bird (3-4-1897) 153 3666 lEttEr from sEcrEtary for zululand

(6-4-1897) 154 3668 lEttEr from c. bird (7-4-1897) 155 3669 lEttEr from c. bird (8-4-1897) 155 3675 lEttEr from william wilson huntEr

(8-5-1897) 157 3676 lEttEr from a. m. camEron (11-5-1897) 157 3678 lEttEr from w. j. irons (22-5-1897) 160 3681 lEttEr from G. s. brownman (1-6-1897) 166 3683 lEttEr from G. s. brownman (5-6-1897) 168 3685 lEttEr from a. jamEson (20-6-1897) 169 3686 lEttEr from E. w. Gainsford (28-6-1897) 170 3687 lEttEr from c. E. braun (9-7-1897) 171 3689 lEttEr from c. bird (13-8-1897) 172 3690 lEttEr from c. bird (30-8-1897) 174 3691 lEttEr from c. bird (30-9-1897) 180 3692 lEttEr from william Edward pitchEr


(29-11-1897) 189 3694 lEttEr from r. mard (30-11-1897) 189 3695 lEttEr from william Edward pitchEr


(20-12-1897) 194 3697 lEttEr from c. m. pillay (26-12-1897) 195 3703 fraGmEnt of a lEttEr from l. lionEl

Goldsmid (2-4-1898) 196 3703 a lEttEr from l. lionEl Goldsmid (2-4-1898) 197 3706 lEttEr from ahmEd EffEndi (5-4-1898) 198 3707 lEttEr from c. bird (26-5-1898) 200 3708 lEttEr from c. bird (30-6-1898) 206


s.n. 3709 lEttEr from c. bird (9-7-1898) 207 3713 lEttEr from dadabhai naoroji (30-12-1898) 216 3716 lEttEr from r. E. bullEy (dEcEmbEr, 1899) 252 3717 lEttEr from mary G. davis (22-3-1899) 228 3718 lEttEr from f. a. lauGhton (22-11-1899) 248 3719 lEttEr from n. harishankEr (6-12-1899) 250 3721 tElEGram from supErintEndEnt, indian

ambulancE corps (28-2-1900) 258 3722 lEttEr from auGustinE moonsamy

(28-2-1900) 259 3724 lEttEr from GilbErt nilkinson (27-2-1900) 257 3725 lEttEr from m. k. Gandhi (11-4-1900) 316 3731 lEttEr from hErbErt kitchin (2-5-1900) 267 3732 lEttEr from hErbErt kitchin (3-5-1900) 268 3733 lEttEr from c. bird (23-5-1900) 273 3734 lEttEr from c. bird (15-6-1900) 274 3735 lEttEr from c. bird (22-6-1900) 275 3738 lEttEr from c. bird (3-8-1900) 278 3750 lEttEr from william GoolEy (2-4-1898) 196 6070 lEttEr from l. lEitnEr (19-2-1889) 3 29100 lEttEr from m. G. ranadE (23-5-1897) 164